A Mercedes in serious trouble
The Australian Grand Prix saw Scuderia Ferrari secure a stunning one-two finish at the 5.278-kilometre Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, a feat not achieved since the opening Grand Prix of 2022 in Bahrain when Charles Leclerc finished ahead of Carlos Sainz after Max Verstappen’s late retirement when the Dutchman was in second position. In Australia too, the three-time champion had to bow out due to a technical issue that emerged in the very first laps. This time, it was Carlos Sainz who led the Ferrari one-two, his third Formula 1 victory after the one secured in Singapore a year ago.
It wasn’t a Ferrari one-two in Marina Bay last season because behind Carlos Sainz, there were Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, with the McLaren driver completing the podium last Sunday in Melbourne while Lewis Hamilton had to retire due to a technical issue with his Mercedes power unit. When Max Verstappen has left an opening for his rivals on the last two occasions this event occurred, Ferrari, and then McLaren, were always ready to step in.
Former Ferrari Sporting Director Cesare Fiorio was interviewed by the Italian media and shared his thoughts on the events at the Australian Grand Prix: “Carlos Sainz has once again been the driver who, for now, has led Ferrari to victory in the last two years. Before parting ways with him, I would have thought twice. Not that Lewis Hamilton isn’t a great driver; on the contrary, he could bring a wealth of knowledge to Ferrari, but Carlos Sainz is very strong.”
Regarding Scuderia Ferrari’s potential goals for the current championship, Cesare Fiorio believes that the gap to Red Bull is still too wide to aim for, for example, the Constructors’ Title: “This year, Ferrari is clearly the second force on track behind Red Bull and is already a step ahead compared to 2023 when Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin were alternating positions.
Now Ferrari is superior to these teams, and behind it is McLaren, which is reaping the benefits of Andrea Stella’s enlightened management. On the other hand, Mercedes, which now seems like a fourth-tier team, is not having a good time. In recent years, it has lost many valuable technicians who have moved to other teams, and this has reflected on the track results.” – the former Ferrari team boss pointed out.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
As for Carlos Sainz’s future, Cesare Fiorio believes that one project is currently leading over any other offers, but patience is needed: “I believe Audi wants to have Carlos Sainz as a leading driver, a kind of beacon to guide the arrival of this great Manufacturer in F1. The problem is that 2025 would definitely be a ‘lost year’.” – he concluded.
Leave a Reply