Ferrari hints at three-way title battle but 'we must be opportunistic'

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Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur believes a shift in power dynamics is unfolding in F1 and suggests the Scuderia is in the mix to challenge Red Bull for the world title this season.

The last three races have been a thrilling display of close competition, with the top drivers separated by mere tenths of a second in crucial moments.

McLaren’s Lando Norris prevailed in Miami, while the Briton finished hot on the heels of Verstappen at Imola. In Monaco last weekend, local hero Charles Leclerc delivered to Ferrari its second win of the season.

While Red Bull and Max Verstappen remain clear favourites for the championship, Ferrari and a resurgent McLaren team have thrown down the gauntlet.

After the Italian outfit’s triumph last weekend, Vasseur assessed the new competitive landscape with a hint of optimism for the future.

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“If you have a look at the last three or four races, we had everybody [within] one-tenth, even on the long stint,” commented the Frenchman.

“In Miami, we did 40 laps to finish two seconds behind Max and at Imola it was 36 laps for six seconds.

“I think now we have at least three teams, but Mercedes is not that far away.”

While acknowledging Ferrari's progress and the shift in dynamics at the head of the field, Vasseur cautioned that the top teams will likely trade blows throughout the season, keeping the championship battle wide open until the final checkered flag.

“These three teams are able to fight for the pole position, able to fight for the win. It's exciting and I hope it will be like this until the end of the season,” he added.

“For sure depending from track to track, Red Bull [will have] an advantage or Ferrari or McLaren.

“We will have to be opportunistic. It was not always the case in the past. Last year we lost far too many points into the season and this season we made a huge step forward on this one also.

“We are much more opportunistic and it will be like this until the end of the season, the fight could be tight.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.