Ferrari boss after strong Friday at Hungaroring: 'We are not looking for the best Friday, we are looking for the best Sunday!'
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton topped the practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
- Team principal Fred Vasseur expressed satisfaction with the car's balance and upgrades but urged caution.
- Vasseur emphasized the team's focus on Sunday's race, stating they are not seeking the "best Friday" but the "best Sunday."
Ferrari showed strong pace at the Hungaroring circuit during Friday's practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton setting the fastest laps. Leclerc led the first session ahead of Max Verstappen, while Hamilton topped the second session with Leclerc and Lando Norris close behind, indicating McLaren's improved performance after upgrades.
It went pretty well today, the balance is okay and the upgrades are working, but we are still far from where we want to be in qualifying. For now it's good, but the job is nowhere near done.
Despite the encouraging signs, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur urged caution. He acknowledged the car's good balance and the effectiveness of new upgrades but stressed that the team is "still far from where we want to be in qualifying." Vasseur stated that while the day went well, the "job is nowhere near done."
Vasseur's primary message to the team is to maintain focus on the upcoming race. "You see, we are not looking for the best Friday. We are looking for the best Sunday," he said. He emphasized the need for continuous fine-tuning of the car to extract maximum performance, particularly with the race being the last before the summer break.
You see, we are not looking for the best Friday. We are looking for the best Sunday.
He also downplayed a minor technical issue experienced by Leclerc, describing it as "nothing special." Vasseur reiterated that all races are treated with equal importance, despite the psychological boost a strong result before the break might provide.
Of course, the last race before the break is important because that feeling stays with you for the next three or four weeks. However, at the end of the day, you don't score more points in Budapest than in Silverstone or Spa. We try to treat all races with equal importance.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.