Ferrari Prioritized Qualifying Pace Improvements
Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the team is focusing on one-lap speed to resolve persistent qualifying struggles.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you still feel the same loyalty to your favorite team when they struggle to perform?
Ferrari has identified qualifying pace as its primary development priority following a series of races outside the top three starting positions. Team principal Fred Vasseur indicated that the team aims to improve performance between the first and final runs of Q3.
Why it matters
The team has failed to secure a podium finish since the Belgian Grand Prix in July 2026, struggling to match their effective race-day speed during qualifying attempts. Addressing these one-lap limitations is essential for Ferrari to regain competitive standing on the grid.
Ferrari has not earned a podium finish in the twelve months since the Belgian Grand Prix. The team is currently analyzing performance gaps that have kept them out of the top three starting positions in recent race weekends.
The players
Fred Vasseur
He serves as the team principal for Ferrari and oversees the strategic and technical development of the racing program.
Charles Leclerc
He is a lead driver for Ferrari who has provided feedback on the car power unit deployment during qualifying.
The details
Engineers are working to refine car pace, while Charles Leclerc identified power unit deployment as a limiting factor for qualifying performance. Ferrari plans to carry over these current development projects, including aerodynamic improvements, into its 2027 car design due to regulatory stability.
Timeline
July 2026 marked the last time Ferrari secured a podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix.
September 2026 saw Fred Vasseur confirm qualifying pace as the primary development priority.
Season Trajectory
This development shift marks a departure from the team trajectory seen after the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix. The focus on the 2027 car indicates that the team is prioritizing long-term structural competitiveness over short-term gains in the current season.
Ferrari remains outside the front-row starting positions, impacting the team's ability to challenge for race wins from the opening laps. Fantasy managers and fans should note that the car remains better optimized for race conditions than for short-burst qualifying speed.
The takeaway
Ferrari is shifting its engineering focus to correct the disconnect between its strong race-day speed and its deficient one-lap qualifying performance. This long-term development strategy aims to align the team's technical capabilities with the requirements of the upcoming 2027 season.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the grid, visit our Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
Live Poll
Do you still feel the same loyalty to your favorite team when they struggle to perform?
