Vasseur Labels Ferrari Montreal Result Encouraging Despite No Upgrades

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur described the team’s Canadian Grand Prix performance as a positive sign, despite arriving in Montreal without any new developments on the car.
Vasseur stated: ‘We were expecting a difficult weekend in Montreal because several of our competitors brought upgrades while we did not, so this result is definitely encouraging.’
Charles Leclerc mounted a strong recovery drive through the field at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, contributing to what Ferrari considered a better-than-anticipated result given the circumstances heading into race weekend.
Lewis Hamilton also enjoyed a successful Canadian Grand Prix weekend, returning to the podium in a result that renewed debate about the seven-time world champion’s form and future in the sport.
Ferrari has been working with IBM’s artificial intelligence technology to develop what the company describes as a deeper connection with its global fanbase through an updated app experience.
Among the changes made through that IBM partnership was making the Ferrari fan app available in Italian, something the Italian manufacturer had not previously offered despite having a large Italian-speaking supporter base worldwide.
BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, continues to attract speculation regarding a potential entry into Formula 1, though the path toward the grid remains complex given the sport’s current power unit regulations.
BYD produces hybrid vehicles, but Formula 1’s technical direction presents a challenge for a manufacturer so closely associated with fully battery-powered products, while Formula E has expressed interest in attracting the brand to its all-electric championship.
The prospect of Formula 1’s marketing reach and the prestige associated with the paddock may ultimately outweigh the technical misalignment, though any route to a grid entry is unlikely to materialise quickly.
Quebec has recognised legendary Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve with a posthumous distinction, naming him a historical figure of the province alongside Maurice Richard and Rene Levesque.
The Quebec government announced the honour to celebrate Villeneuve’s achievements, a fitting tribute given that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal continues to carry his name and legacy each season.
In sportscar racing, Ford indicated it holds no concern over beginning Hypercar testing later than rival McLaren, which will start its own World Endurance Championship programme three months earlier than the American manufacturer.
A Ford representative explained the team’s position, saying that a longer design and development phase, including CFD work and virtual optimisation, should in theory produce a better car when testing does eventually begin.
In IndyCar, championship leader Alex Palou faced a post-race penalty after his car failed a front wing technical inspection following a seventh-place finish at the Indianapolis 500, resulting in a five-point deduction and a ten-thousand dollar fine for the Ganassi team, though his result was allowed to stand.
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