Ferrari reckons F1 Australian GP race confirmed its true kind after "powerful" qualifying

Fred Vasseur reckons Ferrari didn’t “put all the pieces collectively” in qualifying for Formulation 1’s Australian Grand Prix with the much-improved race being extra consultant of its tempo.

The Italian outfit completed third and fourth on the F1 2026 opener in Melbourne on Sunday, behind Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli who had been additionally 1-2 in qualifying.

At one stage Charles Leclerc was even having fun with a to-and-fro battle with eventual winner Russell for the lead, however then Ferrari’s resolution to not pit below a digital security automotive ultimately resigned him to 3rd forward of team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Nevertheless it nonetheless marked huge enhancements from qualifying, the place Leclerc was fourth and Hamilton seventh, 0.809s and 0.960s off pole respectively, on the opening weekend of F1’s new rules.

“The sensation is extra constructive than one thing else,” stated crew boss Vasseur. “We had a tricky Saturday, I feel we did not put all the pieces collectively yesterday. We had been eight tenths off, it was fairly powerful, however we recovered a part of this right this moment.

“It’s good to have two automobiles preventing on the prime. We all know that now we have a really lengthy record of enhancements, however it’s true for us, it’s true for everyone on the grid. The results of the season can be primarily based on the capability that we must develop, to deliver upgrades, to provide shortly.

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

Picture by: Mark Sutton / Formulation 1 by way of Getty Photos

“This can be key for the season for everyone on the grid. I choose to start out the season in a good condition than in a nasty form, however it’s nonetheless an extended solution to go.”

Key to Leclerc’s early problem for the lead was his lightning begin the place he grabbed first come Flip 1, although this continued a theme from pre-season of Ferrari wanting good off the lights.

It comes amid modifications to the race begin process the place drivers should now rev their engines increased and for for much longer, following the removing of the MGU-H below the 2026 rules.

This makes it extra difficult and whereas some groups struggled to adapt, Ferrari appeared the strongest throughout begins in Bahrain testing and subsequently continued that into Melbourne – the place groups like Mercedes and Purple Bull mismanaged battery energy for lights out.

However Vasseur warned that Ferrari may not maintain this benefit at each grand prix this yr, including: “We had been anticipating to have a great begin, however it’s actually on the sting. The window may be very slender. On the highest right this moment, they switched it on [the lights] in a short time.

“I feel all people was a bit shocked. The beginning was good, however it isn’t a assure for the season. The tempo yesterday, we did not do the most effective session of our life, however we had been there.

“In the present day, the race tempo was most likely a bit higher. It was tough, however when you evaluate it with McLaren, Purple Bull and Mercedes, we’re most likely a step ahead within the race tempo. However once more, it’s one occasion, the primary one, however now we have a mega lengthy record of issues that we’re satisfied that now we have to do a greater job. However that is true additionally for my rivals.”

So the Frenchman reckons it could be a “fully totally different story” at this weekend’s Chinese language Grand Prix, as various monitor traits are anticipated to make a much bigger distinction in 2026.

“When it comes to vitality, it’s virtually the other,” stated Vasseur. “Circumstances can be a lot colder, most likely a lot colder and we could have the dash format.

“It means a lot much less time to adapt the technique. Will probably be a totally totally different train. Let’s examine the place we can be subsequent week.”

Pictures from Australian GP – Sunday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing