Motorsport

Ferrari chief downplays championship aspirations despite two victories in three races.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Jul 8, 2026, 03:28 IST

Despite recent victories, Ferrari's leader minimizes championship aspirations, recognizing Mercedes' continued edge in Formula 1 performance.

Ferrari chief downplays championship aspirations despite two victories in three races.

In the wake of a recent victory at the British Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has opted for caution regarding his team's prospects in the ongoing Formula One championship. Despite securing two wins in the last three races, Vasseur emphasized the need for realism, particularly as Ferrari currently trails Mercedes by 78 points in the constructors' standings.

As the season progresses, the competition remains fierce. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton sits third overall, 32 points behind Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who leads the standings. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who clinched victory at Silverstone, is positioned fourth, trailing Hamilton by 39 points. When questioned about the potential for a championship battle between Ferrari and Mercedes, Vasseur was measured in his response, stating, "Championship fight is your words." He recalled the fluctuating perceptions of Ferrari's performance, noting that just a week prior, the narrative had shifted dramatically from optimism to skepticism.

Looking Ahead to Spa-Francorchamps

The next challenge for Ferrari will be the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, a track where Leclerc previously triumphed in 2019. Vasseur acknowledged the historical significance of the venue, while also recognizing the current competitive landscape. He remarked on Mercedes' dominance, having won seven out of nine races this season and consistently securing pole positions. Despite Ferrari's recent improvements in race pace, Vasseur believes that Mercedes still holds a slight edge in overall performance.

Both Hamilton and Leclerc have expressed confidence in their ability to challenge for victories as the season unfolds. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Ferrari as formidable competitors who are likely to remain in contention throughout the remainder of the season. George Russell, who finished second at Silverstone thanks to a fortunate turn of events involving a safety car and Antonelli's mechanical issues, commented on Ferrari's speed, stating, "These Ferrari guys look really quick. So, yeah, game on." As the teams prepare for the next race, the anticipation for a thrilling championship battle continues to build.

Latest News

End of Article