It is a bit as if it were one of those events on which the fateful red circle is present, because this Monaco GP is a tempting opportunity for the Maranello team, with history that can merge with the present and give Ferrari some moments of joy.
Ferrari, including through the voice of team principal Mattia Binotto, is confident that Monte Carlo is on paper a favourable track for the SF21: “it’s as if it were an immense T3 in Barcelona and we were really fast in this sector” – Mattia Binotto’s words after Charles Leclerc’s fourth place at Montmelò in the last race.
The target that everyone hopes for but few say is a podium finish, which is terribly lacking for Ferrari that has been able to bring itself back behind Mercedes and Red Bull. Not an easy goal, considering that the first four boxes are theoretically occupied by Mercedes and Red Bull drivers, and that there are other fierce rivals such as McLaren and Alpine. Yet if there is a GP where Ferrari can surprise everyone it is the Monaco GP.
The SF21 proved to be a highly balanced car, very competitive in the slow sections, thanks to the high aerodynamic load generated and above all to an excellent output traction. The Ferrari car doesn’t crash into slow corners, it pushes beautifully. The third sector of Barcelona was emblematic: many years have passed since a Ferrari car was seen so agile in changing directions and coming out of the last chicane.
Monte Carlo is a track with all slow curves, which makes a bit of history in itself because all the teams “load” the cars to the maximum, finding considerable grip; that’s why mechanics and traction make the difference. Getting out of the turns hard and managing the tires in the best possible way is essential in the streets of the Principality. And these are two strengths of the SF21 seen in Barcelona.
The other factor, no less important, is Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque – the only one to really race at home by nationality and not just by residence – is proving to be an excellent qualifier, one of those drivers who manages to make a difference on a flying lap and take the car even beyond where it would normally be.
If Charles can make the difference in qualifying and manage to once again start from the second row, then in the race he will be able to play his cards for a podium finish. A bit like he tried in Barcelona, but on this time on a track where it is much easier to protect a possible position even from the attacks of faster cars like Mercedes and Red Bull.
Finishing on the podium remains a difficult target for Ferrari, but the current car looks able to impress on the streets of Montecarlo. And Charles Leclerc has shown that he is hungry and willing to give everything, as well as wanting to take a strong result after the disappointing outcomes in the last two editions of his home Grand Prix.
And not to forget about Carlos Sainz, who can boast two sixth places (2017 and 2019) in Monte Carlo, with Toro Rosso and McLaren. The Spaniard has always raced in an inspired way in Monaco, finishing all five editions in the top ten, and will also hope to be able to capitalize on the SF21’s strong points to maybe even score a personal best result for Scuderia Ferrari.
Leave a Reply