Team Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur believes Lando Norris’ triumph in the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami further demonstrates that McLaren and Ferrari can pressure Red Bull throughout the 2024 F1 season.
Red Bull dominated all Grand Prix races, except one, in 2023, often with ease, and it was only in the 16th round in Singapore that Carlos Sainz and Ferrari emerged victorious against them.
Now, after just six Grand Prix races in the 2024 season, the Max Verstappen/Red Bull combination has been defeated twice. Luck played a role in Melbourne, when a rear brake failure interrupted Verstappen’s charge early on, allowing Sainz to claim victory. In Miami, it was Norris’ overwhelming pace in the second half of the race, after a Safety Car restart, that secured the win.
Does this mean Red Bull can be pressured?
“Yes,” Vasseur responded to the press after the race on Sunday.
“I believe it has been the case since the beginning of the season, depending on the track.
“Red Bull is still in the lead. Verstappen could have won today if it weren’t for the safety car incident. They still have a slight advantage.
“What is true is that compared to a year ago, when we were able to perform well and put it all together, now we are there.
“This means we are putting pressure on them. They need to be more aggressive with their strategy. They are no longer in the comfortable position they were in last year, where no matter what happened. After the second lap, they were already ahead.
“I believe this changes the race management dynamics. It presents us with an opportunity, because if we take one more small step, I believe we will be in a position to compete with them every weekend.”
A lot can change in a year.
At the 2023 Miami GP, Red Bull secured a comfortable 1-2 victory, with Ferrari out of contention for the win and McLaren finishing in 17th and 19th places, respectively.
In 2024, Norris’s first victory came as a result of his superior pace compared to Verstappen in the final part of the race, after a Safety Car period. If the timing of the Safety Car had been more favorable for Ferrari, it could have been a red (and blue) Ferrari on the top step of the podium.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to Lando and McLaren,” expressed Vasseur.
“I believe Lando deserves this win, considering his impressive performances over the last two or three seasons.
“Although I am currently in competition with Ferrari and not McLaren, I am genuinely happy for them as they have achieved this success.”
Norris’s and McLaren’s triumph can be classified as an unexpected result, especially because Verstappen secured pole position for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, emerging victorious in the first.
However, Vasseur was not surprised, as McLaren consistently showed strong pace throughout the weekend, with several drivers very close in terms of competitiveness.
“This is not the first time this season that McLaren has demonstrated impressive pace,” he commented.
“If we look at Melbourne, for example, they were fiercely competing with us. Overall, I observed three teams fighting closely throughout the weekend, with a difference of only two or three tenths of a second, whether it be lap to lap, sector to sector, or compound to compound.
“I was not surprised by Lando’s performance. On Friday, McLaren showed their capabilities, introducing an upgrade for this weekend.
“If we look at the recent races, they have consistently been in the mix. They also showed good pace in China.
“I anticipate that this will continue until the end of the season. McLaren, ourselves, and Red Bull will likely be in a tight battle.”
© 2024
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo secured another victory for his team this season. The player scored two goals in the match against the rival, leading his team to a 3-1 victory. With this win, Ronaldo’s team is getting closer to clinching the championship title.
Ronaldo once again showcased his skill and talent on the field. With his goals, he became the competition’s top scorer, with a total of 15 goals scored so far. Additionally, the player also provided an assist for his teammate to score the third goal.
The match was highly contested, with both teams seeking victory. However, Ronaldo and his team were more efficient in their finishing and managed to capitalize on the opportunities created. With this victory, they remain at the top of the league and closer to the title.
After the game, Ronaldo spoke about the importance of the win and his team’s dedication. He emphasized the need to continue working hard to achieve the team’s goals and thanked the fans for their support during the match.
Ronaldo’s team’s next match will be against one of the main competitors in the competition. It will be a decisive clash that could determine the course of the championship. Ronaldo is confident and hopes to contribute once again with goals and assists to help his team secure another victory.
The performance of Cristiano Ronaldo has been crucial to his team’s success this season. With his skill and leadership on the field, he has been one of the main highlights of the championship. Fans are excited about the player’s performance and hope that he continues to shine in the upcoming matches.
This victory by Ronaldo and his team shows that they are determined to win the championship title. With such a talented and dedicated player like Ronaldo, the team has great chances of achieving success. Fans are confident and eager to see what the future holds for Ronaldo’s team.
