British former professional racing driver from England and the 1996 Formula One World Champion, Damon Hill, has analyzed Scuderia Ferrari’s difficult start to the 2023 Formula One season, suggesting the need for influential and charismatic figures like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt to join the Maranello team and guide them in the right direction given the difficult period Ferrari is going through.
The former British world champion also commented on Charles Leclerc’s situation with the Prancing Horse, proposing the Aston Martin option as a replacement for Fernando Alonso, although such a scenario is obviously complicated.
Damon Hill calls for the entry of influential figures like Ross Brawn and Jean Todt into Scuderia Ferrari
“Ferrari needs to do some soul-searching, to have a good, long, hard look at themselves or someone needs to do it,” Damon Hill said in a recent interview for The Express regarding Ferrari’s difficult start to the 2023 Formula One season.
“It seems like this is the perennial malaise they suffer from. It’s as if they’re not sure who the real culprit is. It’s such a powerful force in the sport. It needs someone with a firm hand like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt to grab it and make everyone march with them.” – he pointed out.
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These are strong words from the former Williams driver and Sky Sports commentator, who believes that the Maranello team needs influential figures to lift themselves up and emerge from one of the most challenging periods in their recent history. Expectations were sky-high for the SF-23 after its impressive launch at the Fiorano circuit back in February. However, fans and technicians’ hopes soon turned into nightmares, with a car that has proven to be (at least for now) the fourth force in the Formula 1 championship.
No victories and only one podium represent a decidedly unsatisfactory outcome considering the pre-season ambitions. These disappointing results have started to stir up rumors in the paddock regarding Charles Leclerc, who seems less convinced about renewing his contract. Damon Hill also specifically analyzed the Monegasque’s current difficult situation.
“What options are there for Charles Leclerc? There aren’t many. I suppose he could look at Aston Martin. But I think Fernando [Alonso] has a two-year contract with them anyway. I think he would probably step aside if they paid him enough. But I don’t think he wants to give up a competitive drive.” – the former Formula 1 world champion concluded.
Charles Leclerc‘s contract with Scuderia Ferrari will expire at the end of the upcoming Formula 1 season. Unless there are dramatic turns of events, the two parties should reach an agreement for renewal in the coming weeks. However, it is likely that the Monegasque driver will seek technical assurances before putting pen to paper on the new contract with the Italian side.
