Mar.27 (GMM) Ferrari’s “search for perfection” went “too far” in China, team boss Frederic Vasseur insists.
The Italian media has described the team’s 2025 car project as ambitious but “immature”, which was clearly seen in Shanghai where Lewis Hamilton won the sprint from pole but then struggled in the main race.
Worse still, after the race, FIA scrutineers found both cars to be illegal – Hamilton with an excessively worn plank, and Charles Leclerc underweight.
“We must have been too aggressive,” Vasseur told France’s L’Equipe. “That’s how it is.
“This setback shows that we are in search of perfection and that sometimes we look too far.”
In both cases, the cars were not far from being legal – just 1kg of weight for Leclerc, and Hamilton’s plank a tiny 0.5mm too thin.
“You have to make a distinction between disqualification because you’re taking risks and disqualification because someone is cheating,” Vasseur insisted.
“The aim of the game in F1 is to push yourself to the limit of all parameters, everywhere. To get to the last gram of weight, to get to the last tenth of a millimetre of a skid, to get to the last millimetre of wing deformation.
“It’s certain that the more pressure you’re under, the more intense the fight, the closer you need to get to those limits and the more risks you take.”
Vasseur is not writing of Ferrari’s chances of beating McLaren to the 2025 world championship.
“Of course McLaren is in good shape,” he is quoted as saying by motorsport-total.com. “But that does not mean that the championship is over for us.
“We are talking about a tenth or a tenth and a half per lap,” said the Frenchman. “You can go from P6 to P1 or from P1 to P6, so we have to be calm, work step by step and make changes to the car until the very last moment.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas - one of the world's finest racing circuits. This year's event features one of six Sprint races on the F1 schedule. Grand Prix Tours offers a fully appointed, personally tailored race experience for passionate enthusiasts at what has become a great American tradition and another anticipated sold-out event.
SHOW PACKAGES
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES