Ferrari shows strong pace at Sepang on Friday, but Vasseur calls for a strategic approach
It was a promising Friday for Ferrari in Sepang, easing some pressure on Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur. The SF-26 immediately demonstrated solid performance on the Malaysian track, returning to the Formula 1 calendar after a nine-year absence, replacing the Bahrain GP.
and on Google News to improve the quality of the articles
The Scuderia’s car exhibited those favorable aerodynamic traits noticed since early 2026, which had somewhat faded in recent races.
Despite the track being dusty, Ferrari maintained a good rhythm, especially with Charles Leclerc, who set the fastest time in FP2. However, rankings alone do not tell the full story. During the race simulations, Leclerc matched Max Verstappen’s pace, showcasing strong race potential.
Yet, Vasseur remains cautious following Friday’s action in Sepang.
The track’s evolution will be key
Addressing the media, Vasseur said, “It seemed we were in good shape — he remarked — but the reality is that the track’s evolution will play a major role. We need to anticipate it and understand how the circuit will behave tomorrow. It’s a challenge for us, but I believe for everyone.”
Degradation also made a notable return, a factor rarely seen in recent races. Vasseur added, “It will mainly be a matter of tyre degradation, because today, compared to previous races like Madrid, Monza, or Baku where degradation was low, it is significantly higher here. This means race pace will heavily depend on managing degradation, and we need to focus on that.”
Energy management will also influence the race, as highlighted by Vasseur: “Energy management will be crucial as well. When the car starts sliding, everything becomes more difficult. This aspect can make a difference, allowing overtakes. So we must stay very focused here. It is a challenge for us, but I think for all teams. It will depend on how fast we are in the first lap and whether we face struggles. For the drivers, it will largely be about managing pace across stints.”