Turini about Vasseur’s speeches during the Christmas press lunch

Leo Turini briefly conveyed the content of Frederic Vasseur’s speeches during the traditional Christmas lunch that Ferrari arranges for the press, and at the same time could not resist a somewhat ironic intonation. However, this is a fairly typical technique for a veteran of Italian racing journalism.

During a Christmas lunch in Maranello, Frederic Vasseur said what he had to say. Like his famous predecessors as head of the Ferrari team, he couldn’t resist saying nonsense. But at my age I can’t afford to fall for that.

In general, only one piece of news was reported: the new car will be presented to the world on February 13. But I’m willing to tell you the whole truth now: she’s unlikely to win the world championship because Red Bull has too clear an advantage. However, my friend Piero Ferrari is right when he says: “Vasseur has one advantage: he doesn’t lie.”

Everything else can be called typical “Christmas speeches” of the French leader of the Italian team. But to be fair, those present were asked to honor the memory of Alberto Antonini, who recently passed away. From 2015 to 2019, he headed the Scuderia’s press service.

Now about the most important thing. Let’s start with the future prospects of Charles and Carlos, i.e. Leclerc and Sainz. This is what Vasseur said about this, who (this surprised everyone and was therefore remembered) wore a short-sleeved T-shirt despite the winter temperatures:

“Both have a contract until the end of 2024, so we still have a few months. A year ago I said I would like to make a decision before the end of 2023, but I have to admit that the last part of the season was a bit chaotic for everyone, so we were always on the fence and we started negotiations later than that. expected.

But it’s not a problem. Charles and Carlos get along well, and our only win last season was thanks to their collaboration. The team does not have a number 1 and number 2 rider, and their equal status will remain…”

He elaborates further on the personnel problem: “We have actually already replaced several specialists. But these issues concern the whole team and I am proud of the way the team has worked all season, from the mechanics to the drivers.

Before the Monza stage, the first six months of the season were very difficult for us, but the team did a good job. We need to replace a few specific people, and we are doing that. The process of attracting good specialists is underway, but you know that they will not be able to get started for a long time.

First we need to identify the problem, then find the right specialist, and only after twelve months will he come to us to participate in creating next year’s car. If you invite new people, the effect of personnel changes will only become noticeable after two to three years.”

Here’s what Wasser said about his relationship with the company’s management: “We talk to President John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna every day. No one was happy with how we started the season; we had too many problems, including with speed and reliability. But I think the team responded positively to all the difficulties, and in the end we started from pole five times in eight races and sometimes even fought with Verstappen.”

When Vasseur was asked if Max could one day become a Ferrari driver, he replied: “I think everyone would be happy if he ever moved to our team, but he is a Red Bull driver. It’s hard to distinguish how much his talent helps him win, and how much it is his machine. But in reality, we need to focus on our own tasks. Thinking about someone else is a waste of energy.

This also applies to the Hamilton rumors. Yes, for the past twenty years I have spoken to Lewis every month, almost every week. We keep in constant contact so I can’t say I haven’t talked to him. But if he signed a contract after every conversation, it would cost me a fortune!”

And finally, this is what the Scuderia boss said about next year’s car: “I can’t promise anything. We have to do everything we can, but we will not give a gift to the fans at Christmas. But from March we will do everything we can to make them happy.

At Christmas you can only make promises, and I don’t want to do that, but let’s see, maybe we can give everyone a gift at Easter! We always talk about tenths of a second. Absolutely, we have to take a step forward. I understand the complexity of this task, it cannot be underestimated…”

By the way, I have always wanted to suggest to Vasseur that he put on a jacket; After all, it is a bit cold in Maranello around Christmas. Frederic, we wish you all the best! (This won’t hurt us all though)