Scuderia Ferrari has lengthy been criticized for its strategic missteps in Formulation 1, however in recent times, the group has made a concerted effort to refine its decision-making and communication on race days.
Followers will keep in mind the heartbreak of Charles Leclerc on the 2022 Monte Carlo Grand Prix in entrance of his house followers, the place a pit cease blunder price him a possible victory. Later that season, a poorly executed tire technique on the Hungarian Grand Prix additional highlighted Ferrari’s struggles, in the end denying them one other race win.
Recognizing the necessity for change, Ferrari underwent vital management restructuring in 2023. Fred Vasseur, previously Sauber’s group principal, took cost and applied a extra measured method to strategic decision-making. As an alternative of constructing abrupt personnel adjustments, as Ferrari had finished up to now, the French group boss reassigned head strategist Iñaki Rueda to a factory-based function whereas inserting Ravin Jain trackside to supervise race-day calls.
The outcomes have been evident—Ferrari’s technique execution grew to become extra exact, with fewer pricey errors and a extra aggressive method that always put rival groups on the defensive.
Talking on the Crimson Flags podcast, former F1 strategist Bernie Collins recommended Fred Vasseur for his behind-the-scenes efforts in bettering the Maranello group’s race operations.
Bernie Collins Applauds Frederic Vasseur for Ferrari’s Strategic Overhaul
A first-rate instance of Ferrari’s progress got here throughout Carlos Sainz’s outstanding victory on the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. The win showcased the group’s improved tactical execution, notably their efficient use of the undercut to fend off competitors from McLaren and different challengers at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit.
Bernie Collins believes Ferrari now operates in a much more structured and environment friendly method than in earlier years, contrasting it with an period when drivers like Sebastian Vettel have been usually heard taking the lead in strategic choices over the group radio. With Fred Vasseur on the helm, Ferrari has moved towards a extra disciplined and proactive method—one that would show essential with Lewis Hamilton becoming a member of the group within the 2025 Formulation 1 marketing campaign.
Bernie Collins famous that, primarily based on her observations of group radio communications, Fred Vasseur gave the impression to be making a big impression at Ferrari. She believed he was fostering belief inside the group, permitting people to make their very own choices, stand by them, and transfer ahead with confidence.
Bernie Collins additionally identified that Ferrari’s technique group had proven noticeable enchancment over the previous two years. She emphasised that everybody on the pit wall was very smart, and the important thing to success was enabling them to make the selections they deemed appropriate.
Hamilton Warned of Distinctive Challenges Forward at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari is about to be one of the vital talked-about tales of the 2025 Formulation 1 season, as he embarks on a mission to say a record-breaking eighth world title. Nonetheless, former strategist Bernie Collins has cautioned that his transition will not be as seamless as some anticipate, emphasizing that the challenges of adapting to a brand new group shouldn’t be underestimated.
Collins highlighted that Ferrari’s operational atmosphere presents key variations in comparison with what Hamilton has been accustomed to at Mercedes. Variations in group terminology, cockpit structure, and even the design of the steering wheel may all require a interval of adjustment for the seven-time champion. Even small particulars can have a big impression when a driver is working on the absolute restrict.
In preparation for his extremely anticipated Ferrari debut, Hamilton has already been busy familiarizing himself together with his new environment. He has accomplished a number of check classes, together with observe runs at Fiorano and Barcelona, to construct chemistry together with his race engineer and get a really feel for the SF-25’s dealing with.
Throughout a current Pirelli check, Lewis Hamilton posted lap instances barely quicker than his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. Nonetheless, on condition that the 2 drivers have been operating totally different applications and testing growth tyres, the outcomes aren’t indicative of any actual efficiency hierarchy inside the group. With pre-season testing nonetheless forward, the British driver will proceed refining his method as he adapts to Ferrari’s method of working.