Fred Vasseur has stressed that Ferrari must deliver a flawless performance at Monza this weekend if they are to delight their home crowd.
The Frenchman, currently Formula 1’s second longest-serving team principal after Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, underlined that only a “clean weekend” will give the Scuderia a fighting chance.
Ferrari arrive in Italy on the back of a bitterly frustrating race in the Netherlands, where both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton retired, leaving the team without points.
For Vasseur, Monza represents the perfect opportunity for an immediate response, but he has cautioned that repeating last year’s heroics will be much harder.
In 2023, Leclerc thrilled the Tifosi by securing his second victory at Monza, using sharp strategy to outwit the faster McLaren MCL39.
It was a win built on intelligence and precision rather than outright speed, a template Ferrari will hope to emulate again this weekend.
However, Vasseur acknowledged that the challenge will be stiffer this time around, with rivals having made significant gains.
“We are aiming to give our very best to repay them for their constant support,” said Vasseur.
“However, in order to do that, we need to put emotions aside.
“And focus on ensuring that we execute the weekend to the best of our ability.
“From the very first lap of free practice, right through to the final lap of the race.
“Over the course of this season, we’ve made progress in terms of competitiveness.
“But with such a closely matched field, we must be flawless to get the results we’re aiming for.”
