The Italian outfit came into the 2023 season hoping to fight for the world championship, but it fell short of its target thanks to Red Bull producing its dominant RB19 car.
Ferrari has spent much of the year trying to understand why its own SF-23 has struggled, especially in managing tyres in the race. It has, however, made rapid progress since the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break.
The methodical approach that the team has taken seems to have unlocked answers that it needs to deliver a much better car in 2024, when it hopes to return regularly to the fight at the front.
Speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Leclerc believed that Vasseur’s personality has been important in helping the squad make the more rational calls that are needed.
“Fred is super flat emotionally, which I think is really good in the position he is,” explained the Monegasque.
“I think as an Italian team, and as Ferrari, what I loved most is the emotions that we feel whenever we are at highs, and how passionate the people are.
“But to have this balance with Fred, I think it is also really good to have the clear vision when things are going wrong.
“And also, when things are going very strong, [sticking to the belief] that that's not it and we still need to work very hard. I think we kind of had already that philosophy, but I think Fred has strengthened it and that's really good.”
Source: Autosport