Ferrari Plans Car Upgrades, Vasseur Highlights Need for Better Execution

Ferrari is planning to introduce upgrades for its car during the upcoming double-header events in Austria and Silverstone. Following Mercedes` victory in Canada, Ferrari remains the only one of F1`s top four teams yet to secure a race win this season, facing consistency issues with their SF-25 car over race weekends.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and sixth in Montreal. Hamilton commented afterwards that upgrades are “really in need” to bridge the gap to leading teams.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed that new parts are forthcoming for the car, expected during either the Austrian GP weekend or the British GP (July 4-6). However, he emphasized that car development isn`t the primary area needing focus.

Vasseur stated, “We will have an upgrade soon, before UK, and perhaps another one a bit later.” He added, “But, honestly, I think there is much more in execution and what you get from the car, than the potential of the car itself.”

Vasseur explained that at this stage of the regulations, updates yield gains in “hundredths rather than tenths,” and poor execution means losing “tenths.” He noted this has happened to Ferrari and others, recalling needing a race or two to adapt the car setup after previous upgrades. Vasseur reiterated his focus on the team`s execution rather than just the car`s raw potential, confirming, “But we will bring something.”

Following the Canadian race, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1, “We are really in need of an upgrade and there`s lots of things that need to change for us to compete at the front.” He added regarding potential upgrades, “We have something hopefully coming next week [Austria]. I don`t know if it`s much, how much it is. I don`t think it`s a lot. I just think it`s one of those years.”

Vasseur: Focus on Execution is Key

Vasseur admitted Ferrari`s execution in Canada was a “massive failure,” highlighting this as critical for improving their season, especially regarding tyre management.

Discussing the upcoming race at Austria`s medium-speed Red Bull Ring, Vasseur mentioned decent pace in Barcelona (Sector 1) and Monaco. He stressed the need to “put everything together in the right place” before the weekend for a good result, stating that tyre usage and performance are more significant factors than car differences.

“It doesn`t matter about the car,” he said. “if the team is doing a very good job on the tyres, they will be in front.” He cited Canada, Monaco, and Imola as examples, adding that while this is the situation for everyone until season end, Ferrari “have to do a better job.”

Austrian GP Schedule