Vasseur outlines 'crucial' aspect to Ferrari F1 title hope

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has outlined a crucial factor that will shape the team's upcoming F1 campaign.

The Italian squad is hoping to challenge for the F1 title after narrowly missing out on a constructors' championship to McLaren last season.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has joined from Mercedes, partnering long-time Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

The upcoming F1 season is predicted to be highly competitive as the fight at the front of the field was a close affair in the latter stage of the 2024 campaign.

The regulations have remained stable over the winter break ahead of a major switch-up in 2026.

Vasseur stated development focus will change very quickly to the 2026 car when the new season gets underway.

“If we have to develop the current car, it will be the first couple of races, and then I think everybody will [shift focus],” Vasseur told media including RacingNews365.

“I don’t want to say that we will stop the current car, but we’ll be more focused on 2026.”

However, difficulties could arise if the title fight is close, as the competitors may wish to continue the development of the 2025 challengers in a bid to edge out their appointments.

Vasseur detailed the initial upgrade to the car will have a major impact on how the rest of the season plays out for the Italian outfit.

“It means that the first races and the first upgrade that we will bring on the car will be crucial for the season,” Vasseur added.

“We will bring something in the early stage into the season.”