F1 journalist Jonny Reynolds comments on Ferrari’s performace in Monaco. Formula 1 journalist Jonny Reynolds explained Scuderia Ferrari's performace in Monaco.

As reported by Formula 1’s official website, Formula 1 journalist Jonny Reynolds explained Scuderia Ferrari’s performace in Monaco. Asked to comment weather the Maranello team showed a lack of ambition after knowing that Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo had problems in his car, Jonny Reynolds said:

“First of all I think it’s unfair to say Ferrari showed a lack of ambition – they, and Sebastian Vettel, would have been desperate to win in Monaco on Sunday, and it was clear from their radio messages that the German was being urged to push and – at the very least – try to force at mistake from Ricciardo.

But try as he might, Vettel couldn’t find a way of seriously challenging the Australian, even with the Red Bull driver considerably down on power. Why? Well, firstly Monaco’s unique characteristics (ultra twisty, not power sensitive) mean that Ricciardo’s issues were far less damaging than they would have been at another circuit.

In Canada, our next stop, he’d have been quickly swallowed up, but in Monaco he was able to manage the situation – supremely skilfully it has to be said – by, amongst other things, making the most of his car’s superior cornering performance. This prevented Vettel from getting close – and crucially Ricciardo was able to do this without incurring excessive tyre wear. Vettel on the other hand struggled with his tyres – as did Lewis Hamilton – and the problem was exacerbated when he got closer to the Red Bull.

Then, after the Virtual Safety Car period near the end of the race, Vettel struggled with tyre warm-up issues. So a combination of factors worked against him, though Vettel himself admitted that if Ricciardo hadn’t had any issues, he would likely have been even further behind, such was Red Bull’s superiority in the Principality.” – the Formula 1 journalist concluded.