Vasseur: We are still vulnerable to attack in races

Ferrari have been suffering from chronic tyre degradation issues with their SF-23, which is rapid in qualifying trim (six poles in 2023), but drops back during races as it chews up its tyres, making drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz sitting ducks.

And after two poles in a row in Austin and Mexico, Fred Vasseur admits the situation remains unchanged as Ferrari gear up to the upcoming Formula 1 weekend in Sao Paulo.

Speaking in Ferrari's race preview, Vasseur said: "It’s time for the last leg of this American triple-header here in Sao Paulo, which features the final Sprint weekend of the season, the third out of the last four Grands Prix.

"At the past two rounds in Austin and Mexico City, we were outstanding in qualifying, taking pole both times with Charles and securing an all-Ferrari front row last Sunday.

"But in the races, it has been clear that we are still vulnerable to attack," the Frenchman admitted. "evertheless, we have come away with two podium finishes and scored more points than the others fighting for second in the championship.

However, the Ferrari boss insisted his team will not back down as they intend to challenge Mercedes for the runner-up position in the 2023 F1 Constructors' Championship which Red Bull seized.

"But at the moment we still trail by 22 points so it’s no easy task that we face," he pointed out. "What we can guarantee is that we are fully committed to doing our very best in Brazil. Mercedes will certainly be very competitive, but we must continue to focus on our own performance, to move forward and to do better in every area, especially when it comes to tyre management and race strategy.

"Carlos and Charles are very motivated, as indeed are the team at the track and back in Maranello. We will keep fighting all the way to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi," Vasseur concluded.