Ferrari Boss Vasseur Confident of Improved Performance in China

Admits Mercedes was faster in Australia, but expects different scenario in upcoming race

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Mercedes was faster than Ferrari over the opening race weekend in Melbourne, but expressed confidence that the situation will be different at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix. Vasseur noted that Ferrari has updates planned for the chassis and other areas, and believes the team's strategy would not have changed the result in Australia.

Why it matters

The opening race of the Formula 1 season provided an early indication of the competitive order, with Mercedes appearing to have an edge over Ferrari. However, Vasseur's comments suggest Ferrari is not discouraged and expects to be more competitive at the next race in China, which could shake up the early championship battle.

The details

In comments to Sky Sports after the Australian Grand Prix, Vasseur acknowledged that Mercedes was faster than Ferrari over the race weekend, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth and Charles Leclerc third. However, Vasseur said Ferrari has updates planned for the chassis and other areas, and believes the team's strategy would not have changed the result in Australia. He expressed confidence that the situation will be different at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.

  • The Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, took place on March 8, 2026.
  • The next race on the calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12, 2026.

The players

Fred Vasseur

The team principal of the Ferrari Formula 1 team.

Charles Leclerc

A Ferrari driver who finished third in the Australian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton

A Mercedes driver who finished fourth in the Australian Grand Prix.

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What they’re saying

“I think Mercedes was faster than us over the weekend. It was a good starting point. We know where we stand in relation to them, we have a lot of work to do and a lot of improvement to make. We have an update to the chassis and we will work on other areas. In China, it will definitely be a different scenario.”

— Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal (Sky Sports)

What’s next

The next race on the Formula 1 calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

While Mercedes appeared to have the edge over Ferrari in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur remains confident that the team can close the gap and be more competitive at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, where he expects a 'different scenario' to play out.