P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has insisted the “pace was there” in F1’s Singapore GP on the rare occasions when his drivers didn’t have to manage issues.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur emphasized that the team had strong pace in the Singapore Grand Prix when not managing issues. Charles Leclerc finished sixth while Lewis Hamilton was eighth. Leclerc was instructed to avoid heavy braking to cool his brakes, affecting his and Hamilton’s performance. Hamilton’s late charge was hindered by brake problems, costing him a spot and resulting in a penalty. Vasseur admitted the team’s competitiveness was hidden by extensive brake management, making their true pace uncertain.
Vasseur was not consoled by Hamilton’s fastest lap due to strategic tire change reasons. He stated that the gap to front cars was coherent only when not saving tires. Ferrari is aiming to close a 27-point gap to Mercedes and solve ongoing issues for future races. Vasseur stressed the importance of fixing issues to stay competitive in the remaining six races.
