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Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur commented on the team's current condition on the 2025 F1 grid as they continue to struggle with pace in the top order. The team has finished no better than P3 so far this season, but showcased some race pace improvement in Imola.
After being eliminated in Q2, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc charged through the grid, paired with good strategic calls and a safety car, which helped them finish P4 and P6, respectively. However, this was quite a tough bargain considering this was the first spell of the Italian team's two home races in the season. They had a much better pace compared to the 2024 season, where they were in strong contention for the World Championship against McLaren.
Meanwhile, the latter has continued to lead both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings this season, battling with a significant advantage over their competition. Not only are their cars extremely sufficient in tire management, but they also have arguably an extreme aerodynamic advantage compared to others, and both their drivers have been consistently pushing through.
Commenting on Ferrari's situation after the 2025 Emilia Romagna GP, team principal Frederic Vasseur mentioned that the team does not have the best car despite being in "good shape" occasionally.
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"I don't think that we have the best car. Even when we are in good shape in the race, we are not faster than the McLaren," he said (via F1). "We are there, probably, but not fast enough. What is clear is that over the last three or four races, we have always had a much better pace in the race than in qualifying."
This has been Ferrari's worst start in recent years in terms of points and competitiveness. Although the team did sign Lewis Hamilton, the car has been severely underperforming with major issues in drivability.
Ferrari prioritizing qualifying in Monaco after difficult Saturday in Imola earlier
As mentioned, both Leclerc and Hamilton were eliminated in Q2 during the qualifying session in Imola earlier last week. This paints a dire picture for Ferrari as F1 heads to Monaco next.
The team performed exceptionally in the Principality last year, with Leclerc clinching the victory, his first on home soil. However, it is difficult to state if they will manage to extract the same performance from the car this time around.
Considering Monaco's layout and how the race has turned out in recent years, with difficulty in overtaking, it is understood that the qualifying session sets up most of the grid. This is not a positive note for the Italian outfit, which has been suffering with their single lap pace this year.
"There is a bit of frustration for us. For sure, we need to put all our effort on this. Next weekend, Monaco, on Saturday evening, it will be almost done," Fred Vasseur added.
He also mentioned that the team will be focused on improving their qualifying pace.
"We have to [have] much more performance on Saturday. Monaco is probably a bit different on tyre management. We have to do a much better job on Saturday next week," he concluded.
Ferrari stand in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship this year as McLaren continues to lead the grid.
