Vasseur highights common trait Verstappen avoided in 2023

Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has stated that Max Verstappen was the only driver not to experience a dip in form during this year's Formula 1 campaign.

Verstappen dominated the season en route to his third Formula 1 title, winning 19 out of the 22 races.

Ferrari entered the year hoping to challenge Red Bull for the championship after returning to the top step of the podium the season prior.

However, it was subjected to another difficult campaign and was largely unable to challenge at the front of the field.

Its breakthrough result came at the Singapore Grand Prix during an off-form event for Red Bull who struggled with its set-up, allowing Carlos Sainz to take Ferrari's sole victory of the season.

The Spaniard's campaign ended in disappointing fashion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he classified in 18th place.

"I think it's true that Carlos was very, very strong after the summer break and Charles [Leclerc] was flying in the last six or seven events," Vasseur told media including RacingNews365.com.

“But, overall, I think the evolution that we had into the team was a good one.

“We don't think that we have to keep in mind the likes of [the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix] from Carlos and that overall in Singapore, he was on the podium in Monza. [In Abu Dhabi] it didn’t work but we have to understand why.”

Verstappen dominated the field by running at the head of the field throughout the campaign , as even team-mate Sergio Perez experienced difficulties.

Vasseur stated that the Dutchman was the only driver not to experience a lapse in form during the campaign.

"It was true for every single team except Max - everybody on the grid had ups-and-downs during the season,” he said.

“It's very, very tight so sometimes for one-tenth [of a second] or one-tenth and a half, because you like the track or you like the set-up of the car on the day, you can move from P2 or P3 to P10 and then it's almost a disaster.

“But we have to stay calm with the approach.”