Ferrari boss expects 'stern test': 'That's why this is extra important'

Both Mercedes and Ferrari still have a chance of becoming vice champions among constructors in the 2023 Formula 1 season, but McLaren has also entered the fray in recent F1 races. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri joined Max Verstappen on the podium in Japan and for Qatar, expectations are high again.

Ferrari boss expects 'stern test'

Vasseur, on the other hand, thinks the Losail International Circuit is not the easiest track for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. "On paper, the Lusail track looks like being another stern test for the SF-23," the 55-year-old Frenchman revealed.

He continued: "Ever since Zandvoort, we have learned a lot about how best to manage our package and once again in Qatar, we will do our best to give Charles and Carlos a car with which they can fight in the very close battles we have seen at every race, fought out to the nearest thousandths, behind the championship leaders."

The previous edition of the Qatar GP took place in 2021, even before the new regulations were introduced. That makes the challenge all the greater, argues Vasseur. "This will be the first time we race in Qatar with the current generation of ground effect cars and we have just one free practice session, as this is another Sprint weekend."

"It means that the preparation work carried out back in the factory and in the simulator takes on even greater importance and we feel well prepared. Once again, the aim is to bring home as many points as possible as we continue to fight for second place in the constructors’ classification," the Ferrari team boss said.