New Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has revealed when initial conversations with the Maranello-based outfit took place, and how it wasn’t before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite speculation.
Ahead of the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, it was rumoured that Ferrari were considering approaching Vasseur to replace Mattia Binotto, who was expected to leave following the conclusion of the season.
Despite the rumour, though, the former Alfa Romeo boss has revealed that his first conversation with the Italians took place “the week after Abu Dhabi”, and that he even had a conversation with Binotto himself.
“The process was crystal clear, even if we had some rumours in the press before and during [the 2022] Abu Dhabi [Grand Prix weekend],” Vasseur told media including RacingNews365.com.
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“We didn’t discuss before that and had the first discussion the week after Abu Dhabi, and it was a very, very quick process and then I had a call with Mattia.
“I even met [him] during the handover, and we had a one to one discussion, and my thanks have to go to Mattia for this because I appreciated the move from him to stay and wait for me to discuss [with Ferrari].”
The pressure will certainly be on Vasseur to deliver results instantly, especially after performing well whilst at Renault and Alfa Romeo.
If led correctly, then Ferrari could very easily find themselves in the title fight, with the Italians having started strongly last season.
According to reports, Ferrari have had an excellent winter break, with it seemingly being now or never if they’re going to end their lengthy wait for a title.
Vasseur is ensuring that the Italians are in the right position to do this, having “already started” making tweaks to the outfit.
“My approach to racing is that we always have to do a better job tomorrow than today,” he explained.
“It means that if you say: ‘Okay, today the team is in a good shape’, but you always need to have the mindset to say: ‘We could improve in this area.’
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“If the question is ‘when will you start’, I have already started!
“What I can bring to the team is probably the experience that I have after 32 years sitting on the pit-wall, and that racing spirit.
“I hope I can bring that aspect to the team.”