Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur has refuted the claim that Red Bull is the “team to beat”, despite Max Verstappen’s twin victories from the front.
Vasseur counters Red Bull’s growing dominance
During a post‑race interview on Sunday, Vasseur said Red Bull’s current run of wins does not make it the standard, noting the 2026 season began with a six‑round reign by Mercedes before Ferrari and McLaren closed the gap. He added that the order has been very fluid, with upgrades from all four leading teams affecting standings in just a few races.
Season overview: shifting powerhouses
Mercedes opened the championship fiercely, winning the first six races. Ferrari and McLaren followed suit with two victories each, while Red Bull eventually captured the top step in later European rounds. The collection of wins by all four teams demonstrates that a single car can only dominate for a limited span.
Turn‑one battle decides Singapore
Vasseur pointed out that Verstappen’s separate sprint and Grand Prix triumphs in Singapore owed much to his lead at Turn 1. Overtaking proved difficult on the tight Marina Bay street layout, and Leclerc, despite finishing second, struggled to catch the Red Bull machine after the start, a pattern that echoed the phase of lag on the back‑of‑the‑pack cars at that lap.
Upgrade escalations and points differential
Red Bull’s large upgrade package unveiled in Baku accompanied Verstappen’s run of five podiums, closing the gap to McLaren to just seven points with six rounds remaining. Vasseur reminded observers that upgrades continue to shuffle the standings and that the focus should remain on a team’s own progress rather than rivals.
Championship air continues to shift with weeks still to play
With only a handful of races left, the tightened points table means any new development can tilt the balance. Ferraris’ commitment to self‑focus will be key as the sport pushes toward a decisive climax.
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