Ferrari make 'heads down' vow after F1 spring break study session

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has pledged the Scuderia will maintain focus through the upgrade battle as F1 returns to action at the Miami Grand Prix following the extended April hiatus.

The Italian outfit used the break to conduct an intensive data study session in Maranello, analysing performance from the opening three rounds in Australia, China and Japan before bringing aerodynamic updates to the Floridian sprint weekend.

"We are very pleased to finally be back on track after such a long break, an unusual occurrence in the middle of the season," said Vasseur.

Ferrari's technical department spent the weeks away from racing combing through telemetry and race data, seeking marginal gains as the team battles to close the gap to dominant Mercedes, which has secured all three victories — and the first sprint, in Shanghai — courtesy of teenager Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Charles Leclerc has claimed three consecutive podiums for the Prancing Horse, sitting third in the championship, whilst seven-time F1 drivers' champion Lewis Hamilton visited the rostrum for the first time in his Ferrari career.

"Over the past few weeks, we have been working hard in Maranello, studying all the data from the first few races in order to prepare as well as possible for this round," Vasseur explained.

The SF-26 will feature fresh aerodynamic components at the Miami International Autodrome as Ferrari attempts to unlock greater performance from its package, though Vasseur acknowledged the wider competitive landscape.

"We have some aero updates here [in Miami], but of course, the other teams will be doing the same," the Frenchman said.

"Therefore, it will be important to stay focused, keep our heads down and make the most of the only free practice session."

FP1 in the Sunshine State has been extended from an hour to 90 minutes by the FIA, due to the five-week break and the regulations refinements that have taken place.