Vasseur Confident Ferrari's F1 Strategy Is Delivering Progress

Ferrari lived a rollercoaster of emotions at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Italian team arrived at the principality as favorite for its ability in slow corners, but reality was bittersweet, Lewis Hamilton managed to get on the podium for the second consecutive race by finishing second, while Charles Leclerc crashed in Q3 on Saturday and hit the barriers again on Sunday, retiring in his home race.

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, wanted to focus on the positive despite the setbacks: "We have to keep calm because, overall, this has been another strong weekend for us, Lewis got his second consecutive podium and I think he achieved the maximum that was available with our package today" declared the Frenchman.

The Briton had to serve a five second penalty for speeding in the pit lane, but served it during a safety car and did not lose positions.

Hamilton, who started from third position after Max Verstappen could not take the start due to a problem on his Red Bull, admitted it was not an easy ride to the podium: "In the last few races we have seen him gain confidence and feel more comfortable in the car, which is encouraging and reflects the progress we are making as a team" added Vasseur, highlighting the evolution of the seven time champion since his complicated start at the Scuderia.

The bitter side was provided by Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque suffered brake problems throughout the weekend and crashed in Q3 on Saturday, conditioning his qualifying. On Sunday, after Lance Stroll stopped on track, the race was neutralized and on the restart Leclerc went nose first into the barriers at the last corner, in an image similar to the accident that had taken the Canadian out of the track: "For Charles it was a very frustrating result" summarized Vasseur.

Leclerc exploded over the radio saying he would not take the blame for the accident and explained that it was "impossible" to brake with the conditions of his car: "We had brake problems throughout the weekend and something wasn't working as it should, we will analyze the situation carefully, understand exactly what happened and make sure we fix it before Barcelona" said Vasseur, who trusts that the team can offer a better result at the next Spanish Grand Prix.

"We need to keep focusing on ourselves, keep working hard and make the most of every opportunity" he concluded.