Ferrari won't 'sacrifice' 2024 developments: 'But keep fighting'

For a long time, Ferrari was fourth in the constructors' championship and, based on performance on the track, for a while it seemed to have to settle for that at the end of the run. However, the Italian racing stable has come out on top after the summer break and now even has second place in sight. Frederic Vasseur states that his formation has made capturing P2 in the constructors' championship an objective.

It is always a dilemma for Formula 1 teams. Because when do you stop developing the current car and when does the focus go entirely to the new season? Especially since the introduction of the budget cap, this matters: a higher final ranking in this year's World Championship entitles you to much more prize money, but in that case, concessions may have to be made towards 2024.

Ferrari does not see it that way. Indeed, quoted by Motorsport.com, Vasseur says no developments will be sacrificed before 2024 in order to pass Mercedes in the world championship this year.

Fighting with Mercedes

"It's never a sacrifice because I think performance comes from performance. It is too late to go into the wind tunnel now for this season, but what we can do to the current car will help us for next year. We must not postpone the fight, the fight today is with Mercedes and we have to take that on," the 55-year-old Frenchman explained.

In Vasseur's view, avoiding the duel with 'The Silver Arrows' is not good for anything. It is even proper preparation for 2024, the year when Ferrari finally wants to fight for the titles for a full season again. "It is always the best way to prepare for the future, for the mentality of the team, to fight along is crucial for everyone in the team, and we will keep up this fight [with Mercedes] until the end of the season."

In Japan, Ferrari crept a little closer to Mercedes again thanks to a fourth and sixth-place finish. The formation from Maranello collected 20 points, while Mercedes scored 16 points thanks to a P5 and P7.