Ferrari boss expresses optimism amid tight constructors’ championship battle as Ferrari close gap on McLaren after Qatar podium – Ferrari produced a strong performance at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc securing second place behind reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
This crucial result allowed Ferrari to close the gap on McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship to just 21 points. As the 2023 Formula One season approaches its final showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur remains optimistic about his team’s chances of overturning the deficit.
With a maximum of 34 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi, the fight for the constructors’ title is wide open.McLaren currently lead the standings with 640 points, but Ferrari’s 619 points leave the door open for a last-minute upset.
The odds may not be in the Scuderia’s favour, but Vasseur is confident that anything is possible in the high-stakes final race.
Wolff admits strategic blunder in Qatar
Anything is possible,” says Vasseur
Speaking to the media after the Qatar Grand Prix, Frédéric Vasseur reflected on Ferrari’s solid performance in a chaotic race, and expressed his belief that the team is still in contention for the championship.
“The most important thing is that we scored more points than McLaren,” said Vasseur.
“We are now 21 points ahead with one race to go, so anything is possible,
We have also increased our lead over Red Bull, which means we can focus more on the team in front of us in Abu Dhabi.”
The Qatar Grand Prix was far from smooth sailing for Ferrari. Although Leclerc’s measured and strategic driving earned the team a much-needed podium finish, the race wasn’t without its setbacks. Carlos Sainz suffered a puncture at the worst possible moment, forcing him to limp back to the pits for a tyre change and ultimately costing the team valuable positions.
Despite this, Vasseur praised the overall execution of Ferrari’s race plan.
“The race in Qatar was a bit chaotic, but overall it was good for us. We executed well, the pace was there and I am very happy with the job we did. Our plan was for the riders not to push too hard in the early laps and to attack later on.We were confident that we had the pace on the hard compound to push until the end,” explained Vasseur.
Looking ahead to Abu Dhabi
With the Constructors’ Championship on the line, Vasseur is now turning his attention to Abu Dhabi, a track he believes is more suited to Ferrari’s strengths than Qatar. The Ferrari boss is hoping for a strong finish to a season that has seen ups and downs, but also considerable progress.
“Now we go to Abu Dhabi, which on paper should be a better track for us. With Max and Mercedes also in the mix, you never know what can happen in the championship battle,” said Vasseur. “We will give it our all until the final chequered flag.
Ferrari’s path to overtaking McLaren is undeniably challenging. To secure the title, the Scuderia will need to outscore their rivals by at least 22 points – a task that will require not only a near flawless performance, but also a slip-up from McLaren.While the numbers may seem daunting, Vasseur is determined to maintain the fighting spirit within the team.
“The die is cast,” he said, underlining Ferrari’s determination to go all the way.
Tsunoda “no chance” of a drive for Red Bull in 2025
The championship scenarios
To win the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari would need a combination of things to go their way. A one-two finish for Leclerc and Sainz in Abu Dhabi, coupled with McLaren finishing well down the order, could tip the balance. Ferrari’s task will be further complicated if McLaren manage a podium finish, or pick up extra points with a quicker lap or solid midfield finish.
Nevertheless, Ferrari’s steady improvement over the second half of the season has given the team a fighting chance. The Scuderia’s engineers have worked tirelessly to optimise the SF-23, delivering better performance on both high speed and technical circuits. The drivers have also stepped up their game, with Leclerc’s consistency and Sainz’s aggressiveness contributing significantly to the team’s resurgence.
Red Bull: McLaren and Ferrari are cheating
Reflections on the season
While the focus is firmly on Abu Dhabi, Vasseur also acknowledged the wider context of Ferrari’s 2023 campaign. After a shaky start to the season, the team has found its rhythm and is competing fiercely with McLaren and other top contenders. The Scuderia’s resurgence in the second half of the year is testament to the progress made both on and off the track.
“This season has been a rollercoaster, but it’s also been a year of growth,” said Vasseur.
“We’ve learnt a lot and proved that Ferrari is still a force to be reckoned with in F1. Regardless of the result in Abu Dhabi, we can be proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Insider reveals truth over F1 driver swap
Abu Dhabi: The final chapter
As the paddock heads to the Yas Marina Circuit, all eyes will be on Ferrari and McLaren as they battle it out for the Constructors’ Championship.
The race promises to be high drama, with both teams pulling out all the stops to secure the coveted title. For Ferrari, the stakes couldn’t be higher – a chance to end the season on a triumphant note and a potential springboard to 2024.
As the countdown to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins, Ferrari’s journey to the final race is one of determination, resilience and unwavering belief. Whether or not they succeed in toppling McLaren, one thing is certain: the Scuderia will leave nothing on the track in their pursuit of glory.
READ MORE – McLaren team boss now SLAMS F1 stewarding
MORE F1 NEWS – Schumacher secures F1 seat?
Insiders optimistic about Mick Schumacher’s return to F1 – For Mick Schumacher, the 2025 Formula One season appears to be out of reach, with many pundits believing his chances of competing in motorsport’s premier league are dwindling.
However, one prominent figure who played a key role in shaping his father Michael Schumacher’s illustrious career remains optimistic about Mick’s potential comeback to F1…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
