Fred Vasseur: “We expected a better result” / Formula 1

Saturday in Shanghai was very exciting for the Ferrari team. First, Carlos Sainz had everyone holding their breath in the race as he fought a heated battle with Fernando Alonso and teammate Charles Leclerc. In the end, the two crossed the finish line in 4th and 5th place, Monegasse in front.

Even in qualifying for the Chinese GP, which took place just a few hours after the mini race, it was Sainz who kept the team from Maranello busy. The Spaniard gave the team a shock moment when he crashed in Q2. He was unlucky and was able to continue driving. In the end he finished seventh on the grid for the GP. His stablemate was eight thousandths faster on his fastest lap, making him sixth fastest of the session.

After all the excitement, team boss Fred Vasseur admitted: “To be honest, we expected a better result. Our performance was not consistent during the day, with every run.” And he praised: “I think both drivers benefited from the situation, as the similar Q3 times at the end prove. But it was a chaotic afternoon.”

“Carlos made a mistake in Q2, but he was able to make an impact so that the impact was minimal. “He returned to the pit under his power and was able to finish the session,” said the Frenchman happily, but he also made it clear: “We must continue to work hard, because we still have to improve on the fast cycle. .”

Hope sets the pace in the race. Looking ahead to the doctor, Vasseur explains: “It will be a long race in which tire damage will play a big role. Pit stops and strategy can also make a difference. We will prepare for this carefully and we have seen that it is possible to overtake the opponent as long as you do not get stuck in the DRS train.”

Qualifying, China

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:33,660 minutes
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, 1:33.982
03. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, 1:34.148
04. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, 1:34.165
05. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, 1:34.273
06. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, 1:34,289
*07. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, 1:34.297
08. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, 1:34,433
09. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, 1:34.604
10. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, 1:34.665
11. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, 1:34,838
12. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, 1:34.934
13. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, 1:35,223
14. Alex Albon (T), Williams, 1:35,241
15. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, 1:35,463
16. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, 1:35,505
17. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, 1:35.516
18. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, 1:35,573
19. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, 1:35,746
20. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, 1:36,358