Formula 1 had unexpected news this Saturday in Monaco. Ferrari confirmed that its team principal, Fred Vasseur, will not be present at the circuit for the Monaco GP qualifying session after undergoing medical evaluations.
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In a statement released this Saturday morning, the team informed that the French executive will remain under observation in a local medical unit. Ferrari did not reveal details about his health condition and stated that it will not provide additional information at this time.
“Fred Vasseur will not be present at the circuit today. After some medical examinations, Fred will remain under observation in a local medical unit. No further medical information will be provided. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon,” the Italian team informed.
The absence comes at an important moment for Ferrari during the Monte Carlo weekend. Considered one of the favorites before the event, the team started activities with competitive performance in free practice. Charles Leclerc was the fastest in the first session, while Lewis Hamilton led the second activity, with his teammate right behind.
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Before the confirmation of his absence, Vasseur had adopted a cautious discourse regarding Ferrari’s performance on Friday. The executive emphasized that the practice results do not yet represent the real scenario of the fight for pole position and victory on the streets of the Principality.
“In Monaco, the path between Friday and qualifying, then to the race, is very long,” he stated. Vasseur also emphasized the importance of anticipating the evolution of the track and the grip level throughout the weekend. “This is a real challenge for the team and for the drivers. There is still a long way to go and we will see on Saturday night what everyone’s true pace is,” concluded the Frenchman.
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