Fred Vasseur is by no means happy. What was supposed to be a glorious entrance of Formula 1 in Las Vegas ended in an early aborted session. The main victim? Carlos Sainz suffered massive damage to his Ferrari due to a loose manhole cover. Vasseur is furious with the organisers of the GP in Las Vegas.
Coincidentally, Vasseur was at the scheduled press conference for team bosses after first practice, where the Frenchman was still fuming. "He said that he had something on track and he didn't know exactly what it was. The situation is we damaged completely the monocoque, the engine, the battery and I think it's just unacceptable."
Then the interviewer in the press room stated, "Well, let's look at the bigger picture..." But before the question had been properly asked, Vasseur continued, "This is a good one. I don't need a bigger picture!"
Sainz misses the second free practice
The interviewer tried again: "I just wanted to ask you what this event means for Ferrari? If we can just talk about the Las Vegas Grand Prix, how great it is, talk to me about what Ferrari is doing?" Again, Vasseur was sharp: "I'm not sure that is the topic for me today. We had a very tough FP1, this will cost us a fortune. We f***** up the session for Carlos. We won't be part of FP2 for sure, we have to change the chassis and two-thirds of the car. Okay the show is the show and everything is going well, but I think it's just unacceptable for f1 today."
However, the interviewer did not give up. He tried once more: "Fred, this is the last time this season we will speak to you in the FIA press conference..." Vasseur responded immediately: "At last, good news!", the team boss said.
ahaha god I love Vasseur. Didn't expect anything less from him. "Talk to me about how great the Vegas GP is", that reporter really just tried to get some kind of positive response from a man who just saw his car ruined and his driver missing 2 FPs. They just care for themselves and the advertising of the event. So enjoyable to see Vasseur not indulge him at all. I need to find a video of this.
You cant blame vasseur say what he said any one would be if happend to them
Brilliant response from Fred just like Max yesterday. Other three were just trying to cover the truth. This race is just BS and not part of Motorsport's DNA. Isn't profit coming from implementing budget cap enough for these people. Racing in Monaco is understandable but racing on all other Street circuits because of money is just pure greed. If all fans boycott such racing weekends they will be forced to go back on traditional racing circuits like Sepang, Buddh, Kyalami, Istanbul park etc.
Man,I have to admit,like his responses. Usually I don't care much for TP's views,but this was good.
Yeah :) Freddie was NOT going to be deviated from what he wanted to say. And rightly so. Not Ferrari's fault and this can eat a good chunk of their budget. Hopefully FIA will either foot the bill or give them credit on their budget for it. And god help they give Ocon and Sainz grid penalties. I don't see the FIA daring to do something like... oh what am I talking about - this is the FIA.
I just tuned in to see the backside of a interview with Toto,having a go at a reporter for not saying positive about Vegas. Now,on the one hand I agree, Journalism is always leaning in the negative side to get the clicks and debates going. But so many of us were saying what a bad idea this track was gonna be. And nothing we have seen has looked this far to be a properly organized event Apparently they found more drain covers that needs attention. Hoping that the less than optimal and temps,at least throw up a interesting race.
I just hope nothing else goes wrong this weekend. Somehow, I dunno if we've seen the last of the issues yet. Hope I'm wrong. Seems like Ferrari might have Sainz car ready in time too. Amazing. But there's been a decent delay, which sure helps.
I am sure Ferrari can claim compensation from the organisers for the damage caused. Like Williams was compensated by the Baku organisers in 2019 when Russell's car was damaged while running over a loose manhole cover during the FP session.
Wow, that interviewer was desperate to get Vasseur away from the real topic of today and pretend it's no big thing. Then the interviewer sulks by saying he won't speak to him all year now. Great responses by Vasseur and the last line was great! You tell 'em Freddie! That's a LOT of damage on that Ferrari then. They should be able to send the repair bill to the FIA and have it credited onto their budget. This IS unacceptable.
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