Ferrari’s present remains tied to the past. The fact stands out as a clear truth on which it is really difficult not to agree. Just think of the last five years during which the Prancing Horse, despite everything, has produced cars that basically had all the characteristics to aspire to the Formula 1 title.
Unfortunately, however, a Formula One world championship does not end after five races and the ability to develop the single-seater, despite the various limitations that the International Federation has imposed, is a fundamental requirement for fighting until the last corner of a season.
2017, 2018 and 2023 have been years in which Maranello’s technical projects foundered under the imperious blows of Mercedes and Red Bull, which proved to be teams capable of constantly updating the car, maximizing results and effectively canceling Ferrari’s dreams of glory. The Maranello team was unable to evolve, remained confused, too often a victim of its own problems.
Ferrari: clear indications absent?
But what are the real problems of the Italian side? Why does such a glorious team that lacks nothing continue to suffer tremendously? The Italian website FUnoanalisitecnica talked about it with engineer Luigi Mazzola, a special guest of their Spit Stop show, the podcast of Formula One Technical Analysis.
The former Ferrari engineer outlined the situation by providing us with various very interesting interpretations.
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“In F1 you need to be able to direct developments in the best possible way. It all stems from an analysis of what is happening on the track to then identify the most efficient work areas in which to make the greatest effort. If these car exams aren’t accurate, though, you go to Paris instead of going to Athens. There are situations where you work on a component identified as a potential problem which was not. Correct and above all clear indications must arrive from the track.”
The unity of purpose, exactly as it happens in other disciplines, remains the basis of a result that unites the strength and spirit of various individuals. Nevertheless there should always be a clear direction. A light that points the way when indecision is encountered. An aspect that the Ferrari Racing Division has been lacking for too long now, without which, frankly, it is difficult to think that anything could change in Maranello.
“On the track there are many departments: aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, data analysis, racing engineering, power unit engineers and more. All areas that must coincide but often do not agree. In this context, who takes charge of the situation? A technical director who in my opinion should also cover the role of team principal.” – the former Ferrari engineer explained.
“A guardian of enormous experience in the field of motorsport, he must be able to see the driver’s impressions in the eyes, read the data, have an overview of the car and be able to manage human resources at 360 degrees. It is certainly not an easy task to be able to have such a figure. Who in Ferrari covers this role? How long has such an individual been missing?” – Luigi Mazzola pointed out.
“Except for Ross Brawn who was able to do it in Maranello? Aldo Costa tried but he didn’t come from the track. He didn’t have clear authority over the drivers. Despite being a great technician, something didn’t work. Then he went to Mercedes to head the technical office, his perfect place, where he did an amazing job. Ross Brawn didn’t know how to draw the car or set up the car. However, he had a great overview. He was born on the track. He knew all the situations perfectly and you couldn’t tell him the wrong thing”.
“He listened and then decided the correct path to take to put things right. He was followed by everyone without ifs and buts. Authority, competence and managerial ability. He knew how to manage, motivate and explain a clear direction. In short, a true leader who knew how to motivate the drivers, who were fascinated by his ability to work by their side.”
Ferrari: a clear leader is missing
The current status of the historic Maranello team is not the result of a lack of skill. On the contrary, as mentioned, there is a lack of a key figure with great experience capable of directing the excellent human resource and teaming up during times of difficulty. A recipe that is needed to win again.
“With such a person (Ross Brawn) even now, considering Ferrari’s extraordinary technical and engineering base, the right indications would come. If, on the other hand, the technical director has never seen the track in his life, the relationship with the driver doesn’t work.
“Always remember a fact which, among other things, was the first thing Alain Prost said to me when he saw me: I risk my life in that car, do you know that? This means that you have to give 100% and offer the maximum of your expertise exactly like I do behind the wheel. If you’re not at that level, you take performance away from me, and moreover I risk my skin and I don’t accept it.”
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