Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur emphasizes the importance of unlocking the full potential of their 2025 car as they prepare for the Japanese Grand Prix following a difficult start to the season.
The team’s recent double disqualification in China has put them in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren by 61 points. They are aiming for a better performance at Suzuka to climb up the standings.
Although there have been moments of promise from their SF-25 car, like Lewis Hamilton’s pole position and win in the Shanghai Sprint, consistency has been lacking with neither Hamilton nor Charles Leclerc finishing in the top four of a full-length Grand Prix.
Vasseur, the team principal, stated in Ferrari’s Japanese GP preview, “It is crucial for us to enable Charles and Lewis to consistently harness the full potential of the SF-25, which we have only managed to do on Fridays and during the Sprint in China so far.”
“Formula 1’s success hinges on meticulous attention to detail, both in the factory and on the track, while adapting to race conditions,” Vasseur explained. “Once we achieve this, we will have a clearer understanding of our position.”
After losing the 18 points from their disqualification in China, Ferrari currently holds 17 points in the season standings, putting them behind Williams based on tiebreak criteria – their worst start to a season since 2009.
Ferrari’s crucial weekend in Japan
Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz discussing Ferrari on The F1 Show:
“The focus this weekend is on Ferrari for me. They need to bounce back from their recent setbacks and show how they can recover from the double disqualification in China,” Kravitz remarked. “Considering Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s standings in the drivers’ championship, Ferrari’s response will be crucial.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ted Kravitz reveals he missed a big detail when doing his usual notebook following the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai Audi International
Circuit.
Regarding Hamilton’s performance at Ferrari:
“Hamilton seems content with the progress so far, particularly after the Sprint victory in China. However, Ferrari needs to find their stride once again,” he added.
Thursday April 3
- 5am: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday April 4
- 3am: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 3.30am)*
- 5.30am: Team Principals’ Press Conference
- 6.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7am)*
- 8.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday April 5
- 3.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3.30am)*
- 6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
- 7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
- 9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday April 6
- 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
- 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Don’t miss the action as Formula 1 heads to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
</div>
