18/04/2025
NEWS STORY
Team Representatives: Peter Bayer, Frederic Vasseur and Andy Cowell.
Fred, if we come to you first. Now Charles said yesterday that he's hoping the floor upgrade that you brought to Bahrain last weekend will deliver even more here in Jeddah. From what you've seen in FP1, is that going to be the case?
Frederic Vasseur: Yeah. But we are not speaking about seconds, and that means we have to always stat calm after FP1. It's a lot related to the engine mode, the fuel, and so on, and we know perfectly that the track conditions will be completely different tonight when it will be perhaps ten degrees cooler, and it will be another track and another story.
Fred, tell us a little bit more about this car because we've seen glimpses of pace. Think of Lewis Hamilton's victory in the China Sprint and then Charles qualifying in Bahrain last weekend. What is the key to unlocking the potential?
FV: Well, the key, I think, is the same for everybody - perhaps except McLaren because they are a step ahead - but it's quite difficult to put everything together. The tyres are very sensitive, and as soon as you make a mistake, you are doing a step back. We're in a pack where on the grid, you told me that qualifying was the best one for Charles, but if you look behind, with four hundredths more, you're P6 or P7. That means we have to stay calm, and we have to stay calm on the conclusions. I think it's true for us, but it's true for everybody. If you look at Max, for example, he was flying in Japan, and the weekend after, he was struggling. Today in F1, the pack is so tight that for small mistakes, you can lose five or six positions on the grid.
The pack is tight. We're now at race five. Do you think Ferrari has all the ingredients this year to be successful? The car we've just talked about is quick. Strategically, the team seems on point. You had the fastest pit stop last weekend in Bahrain. If you can pull it all together at the same time, can you win races? Can you even still challenge?
FV: Ingredients are all there, but now it's like cooking, and you have to put the ingredients together at the right stage. Honestly, I don't have the feeling that we've extracted the best from the car so far, or perhaps on some occasions, some sessions. But I'd say it's true for us and for the others. Even McLaren, with the step they have compared to the rest of the grid, sometimes you have one of their cars that is struggling a bit more. It is what it is. A couple of years ago, you could go to Q1 with a set of Mediums, do one lap, and you were in Q2. Today, even the top teams have to put sometimes two sets of Softs. Again, the field is very, very tight, and each time you make a mistake, you can lose five or six positions. Then the conclusion from outside is that it's a drama. We're more focused on pure performance, and five hundredths is not a drama. That means we need to stay calm in the analysis if we want to improve. I think it was one of the skills of the team last year to be able to capitalise hundredths of a second at a time. I hope we'll follow the same path this year.
Quick word on the drivers. You've had this pairing now for quite a few weeks. Are their approaches similar?
FV: Similar? You don't have two drivers with the same approach. They're competitors. They're both champions. They have their own DNA, their own approach, and they want to get the best. What is positive for us is that they're pushing each other, and we need to get the best from them. But their approach is the approach of competitors.
And has Lewis brought a new approach?
FV: He's coming with his own experience - 20 years in F1, different teams, almost ten years at McLaren, 12 years at Mercedes. It's always good to have someone joining the team with that kind of experience, this kind of vision to help us improve. We have four teams fighting for the win today - perhaps five or six tomorrow - but four teams with different structures, different people different, management. And yet, we're all able to put four cars in one tenth. That means it's not that someone is right or wrong. It's that we have to try to understand what others are doing and try to get the best from them also. We're in this mode today.
Andy, let's come to you now. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster season for Aston Martin so far. How do you summarise progress?
Andy Cowell: I guess we're not happy with the performance of the car. We'd like it to be quicker. We'd like to be picking up points at every single race. The team's very ambitious. But, you know, as Fred was talking about, it's a complex business - lots of interacting systems from tyres to aero and others. Getting on top of all of that is exceptionally challenging. When you look at the lap time difference across all the teams, it is incredibly close. So there are fine margins. Getting the tyres in exactly the right window and looking after them on both axles around a lap in qualifying is one thing, but then managing that in a race is exceptionally difficult. And in the world of aerodynamics - at our campus, you know, CFD, wind tunnel, but then you build a full-size car and put it on track, trying to understand exactly what the load is on both axles around a circuit like Bahrain, which is exceptionally rough, versus a high-speed smoother circuit like this, the aero response is different. You try and measure that, but you're measuring it in a less precise way than you are in a wind tunnel. Piecing all these bits together - as Fred says - it's remarkable how close all the cars are, given the different groups of aerodynamicists, engineers, management styles, tools, and a different group of people and drivers. We're in the last year of these regulations, and it's exceptionally close. We're a relatively young team trying to dial in new tools and trying to understand it and not just trying to survive but to really succeed. There are many areas where, if we could go back to the start of the year with the same car, we could do better at every event. That gives us hope. There are relatively easy things we can do to move forward, but some exceptionally complicated things we've got master as well.
You mentioned new tools. The new wind tunnel has been on stream for nigh on a month. When are we going to start to see the first fruits of its labour?
AC: Since the Melbourne weekend, the wind tunnel's been in use. It's being used for both 2026 aero development and 2025 aero development. We've transitioned to this tunnel, and there's hardware coming through that we'll see at the circuit in the coming races. People often talk about how to tell the time when you've got two watches - how do you tell the aero load when development work has been done in one wind tunnel and then you swap across to the next? They'll never tell you exactly the same. But we are enjoying the new wind tunnel. It's opened our eyes to a few characteristics. But then you've got to do the work. If you've got a new test facility that gives you a clearer view, a more representative view, you've got to then do aero development work - you've go to change shapes, make parts, understand, and then make full-size components to bring to the circuit and measure in this complex environment. We're in that process, enjoying the new tool, and look forward to making a faster race car with it.
Final one from me. There's been a lot of speculation about your driver lineup going forward. Fernando Alonso said here yesterday that it was a compliment to the team that Max Verstappen is being linked to it. Do you share that view with Fernando or do you find all this speculation destabilizing for the team?
AC: We're incredibly fortunate to have two experienced drivers signed for the next two years. That means I can just focus on improving the business and the art of making a fast race car.
So are you saying there is no room for Max Verstappen in 2026?
AC: I'm saying that my head's full of improving the company so that we can make a fast race car for Lance and Fernando.
Peter, thank you for waiting. How do you sum up the opening four races of the season so far for Racing Bulls?
Peter Bayer: So my season started a bit earlier, Tom, at the F1 75 event, where we won the prize for the best livery, which we are extremely grateful to our fans for. And then honestly, Laurent and the team, they also managed to unlock some pace in the car, which we've seen in Melbourne and continuing from there. We had our ups and downs. We had points at hand and perhaps took a bit too much risk on the strategy side. But at the same time, we're also happy with how Isack is developing as a young driver who didn't have a lot of time in an F1 car coming from F2. He has unlocked a lot of potential on and off track. We're very happy with how he's developing. And also, welcoming Liam back to the team has been a pleasant experience, ultimately. We knew him well. I had breakfast with him this morning - he's in a good space, he's happy, he's motivated, he's looking forward to racing. He also showed some pace last week in Bahrain - in Q1, I think he had sector times close to Isack in Sector 1 and Sector 3. So yeah, we're confident we'll have a good racing campaign from here.
On the subject of Liam, has the same driver returned to the team that left you at the end of last season, or is he lacking a bit of confidence still?
PB: Confidence? No. Honestly, I think it took a moment for him to digest. First time I saw him when he came to Italy, he looked a bit sad. Honestly, that's how I perceived him. He was a bit puzzled with everything that happened very quickly. But also, at the same time, he knew the people, the tools, the set-up. And I really felt that very quickly he was returning to being the old Liam. He's a great racer, somebody that has great humour, and that's what we see now again.
Questions From The Floor
(Diletta Colombo - Automoto.it) Question for Fred. Both Charles and Lewis said that during the second stint with the Mediums in Bahrain, they felt the car in a very good way. Do you think you can replicate that and get in that operating window more easily now that you got there?
FV: Yeah. I think it's true that this stint went well for us. Unfortunately, the Safety Car came also a bit too early. But now the issue - or the project - is to be much more consistent, to have a good stint in the race or a good stint in Q3 or Q2. If we want to come back and fight for the win, we need to have much more consistent weekends. This one is starting in a good way. But I think it was a good example - even China - the Sprint Race and the Sprint Quali went well. And as you can imagine, we didn't turn the car upside down after winning the first one for the day after. We are really on the edge. I don't want to speak about the others, but as soon as you push a bit too much, you pay the price with the tyres the corner after. It's really on the edge, very difficult to find the right balance. But we are improving in this direction.
Check out our Friday gallery from Jeddah here.
(Jon Noble - The Race) To all of you, we're now nine months and one week away from the '26 cars running in Barcelona next year. Based on all the information you've got - discussions, meetings, insight - what's your best guess for what fans can expect from Formula 1 next year? Will the racing be close? Will it be a good spectacle? And is it going to be exciting?
FV: With this, Jon, I'm not Madame Irma! I can't tell you the race will be close in nine months or whatever - we don't even know for tonight and tomorrow! What is true is that when you are at this stage with a new regulation - and we have to keep in mind it's probably the biggest change in F1 in the last 25 years - we've got huge changes on the engine, on the chassis, and also big changes in the sporting regs. It means as a team today, you have to consider all the aspects, and we're taking directions. I'm sure we're not all taking the same direction, and we don't know what the outcome will be in '26. I can't say the racing will be closer than this year. But I think with the convergence of performance, over the years, we've gone from huge gaps to everyone being in six or seven tenths. From P1 to P16, it's a matter of six or seven tenths. For sure we can expect bigger gaps next year, but that's also the DNA of the sport - to develop, to try catch up. So we can't complain. We'll see next year. Let's stay focused on this season.
Andy, 2026?
AC: Yeah. I think 2026 is exciting for everybody - advanced sustainable fuels, 350 kW electric propulsion, as well as the engine, different tyres, different aero, drag shedding down the straight. There are lots of exciting elements to that. Fred's right - the field will open up and there'll be surprises, both positive and negative. But that's what makes the sport exciting. If we just stay with the same regulations and get closer and closer, yeah OK, all the cars run nose to tail - but it's great to have new technology, new players, seeing Audi coming in. I visited Honda the other week - the development they're putting into the battery technology, they see that as road-relevant, and I think other manufacturers do too. So it's good that these regs are enticing some manufacturers into the sport, and we're developing new technologies and ways to run the race cars. I think it'll be an exciting journey. Plenty to watch, plenty to talk about, and to write about.
Peter?
PB: Difficult to add something. Perhaps one element - if you look back at the last big regulation change, there was a lot of fear and speculation, but ultimately the teams, Formula 1 and the FIA came together and made it work in an incredible way. I think that's the responsibility we have towards the fans. So I'm looking very much forward to it.
(Ian Parkes - RacingNews365) Question for you, Fred. Ferrar have had four Grands Prix now with Lewis. Are you satisfied with what he has achieved? Could he have done more? And secondly, we're aware of his difficulties around the car - he's trying to adapt, talked about having to change his driving style. Is there more Ferrari can do to get him comfortable?
FV: It doesn't matter if it's Lewis, Charles, or Carlos last year - we're always trying to do the best for the drivers and to find a good balance in the car for them. We're pushing on both cars exactly the same way. I think you were all a bit more enthusiastic on Saturday evening in China - speaking about the prize-giving ceremony and all that - and we have to calm down a little bit. Now, it's true that we have a new car. It's not a carryover from last year, and we're probably struggling a bit more to find the right balance and the right setup. But this is the life of every team on the grid. Sometimes for one tenth, you can feel the balance is not a good one at all or not that bad. So let's be focused, I'm speaking for us, on the next and the next races. The very positive point is we're working as a team. The two drivers are pushing in the same direction. We have a good atmosphere in the team, and this will help us come back.
(Adam Cooper - AdamCooperf1.com) One question for Fred. I know you've been very keen to talk about V8s and V10s. Last Friday's engine meeting - was it a positive discussion? And secondly, what is Ferrari's position on the longer term?
FV: It was a positive discussion. If you ask me as a racer, I would love to have a V12 in the car for the noise and the sound and so on. Now, we have a regulation in place for 2026. We started to speak about 2026, and we said, "OK, calm down." And now we are speaking about 2031. In two minutes the next question will be about 2040! But we have to take it seriously. We've opened the discussion. I think it's also probably the first time that we start to speak so early about the next generation, and this is good because we need to know what the others are thinking about it, that we have different approaches. But let's be open. Honestly, it was a very constructive meeting, very positive, because everybody expressed their own opinion, and I think it's the right way to approach it.
(Edd Straw - The Race) One for all three. Obviously, it's interesting times with the global economy, things coming out of the US, and some flip-flopping on tariffs. There are some fairly negative predictions about the impact this uncertainty could have. What impact does this kind of thing have on Formula 1 teams? Obviously, Formula 1 doesn't exist in a vacuum, any action you can take? Anything you can do un terms of being aware of knock-on effects in all aspects of the business ? Or do you just roll with the punches of the global economy.
PB: So for the time being, we are not in FX trading! Honestly, for us, until now, no big impact. We have US-based sponsors who are analysing the situation carefully, but we're not expecting any big effects for the time being, also because I think there's huge uncertainty about what's actually going to happen with these taxes, whether they'll come, to what extent, and where. I think everyone is probably in a holding pattern, but for the time being, no big effect.
FV: As Peter - for sure we also have US sponsors, but also a lot of US suppliers, sometimes buying raw materials in China. And for sure, this is creating a kind of uncertainty for the future. But we have open discussions with them and try to anticipate every single issue. But it's true - it can be a tricky one.
AC: Same as the guys. The global economy is going through a turbulent time. So we're watching, trying to react to what's going on, but I imagine it'll calm down going forward.
(Graham Harris - Motorsport Monday) Question for Fred, and maybe the other two as well. Out of last week's meeting about the engines, it was clear that not all developments are at the same stage. Some teams may arrive next year not as up to date, and there's talk about some equalising formula or a period of time for them to get the engines up to competitive mode. What are your views on that? Andy, you've built engines. Fred, your company builds them as well.
FV: I was trying to ask Andy before what the level of performance of the Honda engine is - but he didn't want to reply!
AC: And you didn't tell me the level of performance you're at!
FV: Honestly, I think it's impossible to have a precise idea about the performance level of next year's cars and on the engine. We are not in a situation where we're just speaking about the ICE. Drivability will be key. Temperature will be key. The ICE will be key. The battery will be key. And I'm not sure that anyone knows what the others are doing. You can be king of the place in 2025 - but the most important is 2026.
AC: Spot on, Fred. You're well into your power unit development there. As Fred said, it's very hard to just say it's about crank power, or battery, or heat rejection. All of these parameters are traded off. There are compromises in order to come up with the fastest race car. And we're still many months away from the introduction point. I imagine that every single engineering team is looking at what they've got and going, "Ah, there are all these performance ideas. How do we get those in?" Then there will be a load of reliability issues - how do we solve those? The supply chain will be screaming because you're asking for both performance and reliability. You just push really, really hard - and every single minute of every day counts. There are a lot of minutes before the first race. So someone who's in front at the moment might drop back. Someone who's behind at the moment might go forward. But how do you measure it? At the end of the day, it will be Melbourne 2026, in qualifying - that'll be the first time we really see all the different car types with the power units, with the new aero, new tyres, and so on and that's where the stopwatch will tell us where everybody is at with their cars.
(Nigel Chiu - Sky Sports) Question for Fred. Going back to what you said before about the team and drivers heading in the same direction - is it fair to say that, because Charles has been at the team longer, in this early part of the season, Lewis has learned more from Charles?
FV: No. I've had a couple of teammates - two drivers - in my life in a team, and you always have positive collaboration. They always learn from each other on both sides. For sure, Charles is more used to the team - that's no secret and it's obvious. But Lewis, with his own experience, is coming with huge added value for us and for Charles. He's helping Charles too. It's going both ways, and it's very positive for us.
(Rawan Alkhamisi - Asharq Alawsat) Welcome back to Saudi Arabia. I've just spoken with His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al-Faisal, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Company and the Saudi Motorsports Federation. He said you're working on designing the new track in Qiddiya and asking drivers for their input. He wants to build the best circuit in the world. What do you say about saying goodbye to the fastest track here in Jeddah and going to Qiddiya and Riyadh after 2027?
AC: Right. Racing here is amazing. I think we all love coming here. We love going to all the circuits. We all love to compete against each other - we're being friendly here, but then we go and compete against each other on track. It's a remarkable circuit - night race, super-fast, challenging for drivers. Fast, high speed and barriers close to the car. It's an exciting event. However, I'm sure the new circuit will be even more exciting. So we look forward to that. It's great to come to Saudi Arabia - great to be here with Aramco and all the work they do within Formula 1 and for development work for 2026. I didn't mention that before - Aramco are working hard on advanced sustainable fuel for 2026.
PB: I know His Royal Highness Prince Khalid from my days at the FIA. He's a racer at heart - every now and then jumping in a car himself. I think you see the result here of someone with huge passion for the sport. What's been built here in a short amount of time is fantastic. It's a spectacular circuit. And as Andy said, we certainly won't be disappointed in Qiddiya - from the initial pictures and designs we've seen, it looks amazing. It's great to be here, great to have this passion for motorsport, and for all the support we get.
FV: Not so much to add - except that I like the race in Jeddah. We've always had exciting races in the past. It's also the right process to include the drivers from the beginning and to listen to them. We'll see in the future - but I like coming to Jeddah. We've had a couple of very exciting races here, and it was always good.
Check out our Friday gallery from Jeddah here.