After a tough and disappointing qualifying session at the Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur sounded an optimistic note, claiming that the low-key performance in Melbourne does not fully reflect the SF-25’s true performance.
Ferrari’s season will start from the fourth row of the Australian Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished seventh and eighth respectively in qualifying.
Despite the disappointing result, everything will still be possible in tomorrow’s 56 lap, 306 kilometre-long race, which should be more uncertain than ever, as it’s expected that heavy rain will hit Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit.
While Leclerc displayed impressive pace in Q1 and Q2, the Monegasque posted a 1’15”755 on his first run in the final qualifying segment, but he was unable to improve on his second run.
His team-mate Lewis Hamilton started the weekend off the pace, but he was constantly improving the balance of his new car. However, it was only enough for him to take O8 on the grid. The Briton had to use two sets of Soft tyres in the middle part of qualifying, which meant he only had one set of these when he got to Q3.
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur noted that the low-key performance in Melbourne does not fully reflect the SF-25’s true performance, suggesting that the Scuderia will have more to offer in the coming races.
“Obviously, we can’t be satisfied with today’s qualifying result. We didn’t look too bad in Q1 and Q2, as we were one to two tenths off the McLarens.
“However, in Q3, we didn’t do a good job because we didn’t manage to run at the same pace as our opponents and as a result, we find ourselves in positions that do not reflect our true potential. Tomorrow’s race could be a completely different scenario, as our pace was good yesterday and the forecast is for rain.
“The points are handed out tomorrow and we must do a good job now, preparing every last detail. I really believe we have the potential to bring home plenty of points,” concluded Vasseur.
