F1, Ferrari: the only certainty currently residing in Maranello

The year 2023 for Ferrari, aside from underwhelming performances, has been marked by a sort of media duel that seems to pit Carlos Sainz against Charles Leclerc. But no conflict is taking place. The two get along and, at times, tensions on the track are simply part of the normal dynamic when two competitive drivers challenge each other for common goals.

The different perceptions of the future between the two Carloss have polarized the views of their respective reference areas. Charles seems closer to renewal, while Carlos is in a hurry, and this fuels rumors of a possible departure. These dynamics, which go beyond their personal relationship, are too often used to paint an inaccurate picture of unrest. This doesn’t correspond to reality at all.

To be somewhat cynical and perhaps a bit exaggerated, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have been victims of Ferrari. Take this statement for what it is: a provocation but with a solid foundation. The F1-75, first, and the SF-23, later, were supposed to be the means of redemption, the cars that would allow the drivers to compete with anyone for the Formula One world championship.

Unfortunately, we know how things turned out: the 2022 car, after the initial great promise, moved in reverse, finishing far from the RB18. The current single-seater started even worse than its predecessor, proving from the outset to be incapable of delivering significant performances.

Ferrari: Montezemolo defends Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
The blame for Ferrari’s problems should be placed everywhere except on the two drivers. This is more or less the idea expressed by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, someone who is quite familiar with the red environment. “I think that the last problem for Ferrari today is the drivers: it’s about the car. I also don’t want to see a Ferrari happy with a third place, which I consider a defeat.”

“I would prefer to see it achieve real victories with a car capable of fighting for the championship until the last race.” These are the comments made by the manager at the Festival dello Sport organized by the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

In fact, it’s really hard to fault the former President of the Prancing Horse. It’s unthinkable that the last link in a team’s technical chain, the drivers, are to blame for the current situation. Especially if those two drivers are Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The responsibilities need to be sought elsewhere.

Namely, in a team undergoing a deep restructuring phase after the departure of Mattia Binotto, who was succeeded by Frédéric Vasseur. The French manager, slowly but persistently, is imposing and fine-tuning his operational method. This takes time and patience.

The first tangible result of the former Sauber boss’s efforts is the progress the car has made over the year. Nothing to make you shout “miracle,” but it’s worth noting that for once, Ferrari isn’t falling backward during the season but is instead consolidating its performance. This is a favorable sign for next year. The ability to increase performance during races is a crucial factor in today’s F1. McLaren’s progress, which has become a subject of study for the competition, demonstrates this.

For the future, Ferrari must not only overcome the problems that have held it back but also develop a different mindset that will bring it back to the ambition of the “Montezemolo era.” Today, it seems that fighting for third place is considered prestigious, but it’s not. The people in Maranello need to reevaluate themselves, becoming more demanding and aggressive. “I don’t like where Ferrari is today,” the manager thundered, hoping for a turnaround starting from the next season.

Ferrari must finally produce a vehicle that matches the driving skills of its drivers. “I don’t like celebrating a third place, which, to me, was a defeat.” This straightforward statement by Montezemolo, though tough, explains the need for a change in mentality. Fred Vasseur is addressing this in his own time and manner. The future successes of Ferrari will depend on dynamics like these, and the story of Red Bull, with its insatiable hunger for victories, makes it clear.