In the wake of last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, where the order of the top six drivers at the start of the race remained unchanged come the chequered flag, Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur believes that each team’s performance in qualifying could ultimately determine where this year’s championship titles end up. In fact, Lewis Hamilton, making his third appearance for the Scuderia, was the only driver in the top 10 to complete an overtake during the entire race, passing Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar to take seventh place early on. Vasseur acknowledged to F1 media that his team must improve their qualifying results if they hope to contend for a trophy.
“Qualifying is definitely important in the performance,” the Frenchman stated. “Because you are in the group of cars, it is more true the smaller the gap between cars is.”
The man in front of you is not the only one you are battling. Indeed, a preliminary championship is most likely to be held.
             Ferrari’s early season struggles continue
The Italian powerhouses in Suzuka had a frustrating weekend because neither Hamilton nor his teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth, could pose a significant threat to the top of the grid.
With every week that goes by, their chances of competing for the drivers’ titles are dwindling, as neither driver has yet to place on the podium of a feature race in 2025.
Their early season troubles have assured the team face an uphill task to get in contention for the constructors’ title, despite just being three grands prix into the competition.
Heading into round four in Bahrain, last year’s runners-up already have plenty of ground to make up on McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull – who were inspired by Max Verstappen’s first win of the season.
