Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has lamented Formula 1‘s precarious tyre preservation mandate that has been plaguing the grid for “the last 25 seasons”.
The Maranello-based squad currently lies second in the Constructors’ Championship, lagging a mammoth 238 points behind runaway leaders McLaren.
The Woking-based team’s stellar run of form to pick up nine victories in 12 races in 2025 has been credited to the MCL39’s impeccable tyre preservation metrics.
In the modern era of the sport, controlling the incumbent high rate of tyre degradation has become a key factor in determining the competitive order.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
And while fingers have been pointed at Pirelli in the past, Vasseur believes this issue precedes the Italian tyre manufacturer’s monopoly in the sport.
“It is not the key factor of this season, it is the key factor of the last 25 seasons,” Vasseur told media including Motorsport Week.
The Frenchman also believes that McLaren’s consistency in terms of tyre management has handed it an unassailable advantage in terms of performance.
“It is even more true when the field is tight, but McLaren from session-to-session, depending on the conditions, can be six or seven-tenths away, and it is all impacted by the conditions,” he added.
“We are all struggling to be competitive in every condition, but it is also [to do with] the tarmac and the layout of the track.”
Ferrari aiming to avoid winless 2025
The lead that McLaren currently holds over Ferrari going into the summer break has relegated the fate of the Constructors’ Championship to a mere formality.
Yet, Vasseur has given the Italian marque a realistic target this season.
With the SF-25 due to get a crucial rear suspension upgrade in Belgium this weekend, Ferrari is aiming to avoid enduring a winless season.
“We have already seen that it will be difficult to come back to McLaren as they have the advantage,” conceded the 57-year-old.
“On some tracks, or with some conditions, we can fight with them, but overall, they have the advantage, but we are still in the fight with Mercedes and Red Bull.
“We are still in the fight to win some races, and that is important for the team now between 2025 and 2026.”
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![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-360x180.webp)
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