Fred Vasseur adamant Ferrari ‘must build’ on Zandvoort podium as they switch focus to Monza homecoming

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has insisted the team "must build" on their solid Dutch Grand Prix outing with Charles Leclerc sealing a second P3 finish in a row.

While Leclerc was fortunate to inherit a podium finish prior to the summer break in Spa following George Russell’s disqualification, there was no such luck involved in the Netherlands when he drove superbly to finish third on merit.

Ferrari nailed his strategy too, undercutting him past both Russell and Oscar Piastri, before the Ferrari man managed to hold off Piastri’s attacks for much of the second half of the race.

Vasseur was quick to pay tribute to how Ferrari managed their race on Sunday in what will have been a confidence boosting weekend.

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 25: Lando Norris of McLaren and Great Britain celebrates finishing — Leclerc bagged his seventh podium of the season in the Netherlands

“We were not very optimistic coming to Zandvoort, but today it went very well for both sides of the garage: we had good starts, good strategy, good pit stops, with both drivers managing their tyres very well," Vasseur said.

“Charles was able to keep (Oscar) Piastri behind him and deserved this podium. We have to be positive and appreciate this, even if we have to keep in mind that (Lando) Norris was a long way ahead and really, we need to focus on getting wins, not finishing P3.”

Ferrari’s race pace was much improved compared to their qualifying pace, in direct contrast to much of last season. They also appeared to have gained a better understanding of the car, which was something that vexed them when they bolted on upgrades in Spain earlier this summer.

All of which is a positive – as is the fact that more parts will be coming to the car soon as well.

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 03: A general view as the Tifosi celebrate as Third placed Carlos Sainz of — Ferrari head to their home race knowing their fans will be expecting great things

“Overall, it has been a good weekend and we must build on this,” Vasseur added. “There are still nine races to go, some of them will suit us better than others and we must see what we can do with the new package that is coming soon, but today has certainly been a confidence boost for the team.

“We will allow ourselves to enjoy this podium and as from tomorrow we will focus on Monza.”

Ferrari head into their home race in third place in the constructors’, but they have slipped to 34 points behind McLaren. And with Mercedes calling Zandvoort an ‘off-weekend’ and vowing to come back stronger for Monza, the Scuderia know they cannot rest on their laurels if they are to get back to winning ways in front of the expectant Tifosi this weekend.