The recent setback Ferrari suffered in Monte Carlo only extends the frustration of the Prancing Horse’s army of fans. Arguably the most prestigious car manufacturer in the world simply can’t compete with the top rivals from the Formula 1 caravan, let alone attack the title in any competition.
What is the reason for this, we can’t tell you, but what is sure is that Ferrari’s stagnation will last for a couple of more years if the engineers don’t come up with some solution that could radically change the performances of their cars.
Judging by the start of the 2021 campaign, the Prancing Horse seems helpless against Mercedes and Red Bull. However, what makes their position even worse is the fact that McLaren has more potential for developing.
The bookmakers’ odds for Formula 1 have set the British team as the third favorite to win the constructors’ title 66/1, while Ferrari sits fourth, 100/1. Of course, Mercedes and Red Bull are far, far ahead of the entire competition. The Silver Arrows are 1/6, and the Austrians are second 7/2. Alpha Tauri, 1000/1, Aston Marin 1500/1, Alfa Romeo 3000/1, and the rest of the crew are without realistic chances.
This comes as a major disappointment for Ferrari’s army of fans. Even though they got used to not seeing their favorites on top for a long time, the hope and the expectations before each season are pretty high. The same scenario happened this time.
Sebastian Vettel left the team, with Carlos Sainz Jr replacing the four-time champion. Unfortunately, all Vettel’s titles were with Red Bull, and not a single one with the Italian manufacturer. His stint was one of the greatest busts in the history of the Prancing Horse, and the German’s departure was not pleasant at all.
Sainz Jr’s best drive this year was at Emila Romagna Grand Prix, where he finished fifth. His team colleague Charles Leclerc had two fourth places, and that too is bad.
It is no wonder why both these guys aren’t among the top candidates to win the drivers’ accolades. The reigning champion, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lead the way, and it seems that one of these two is going claim the silverware.
Hamilton is 1/3 and Verstappen 11/3, but that can change pretty quickly. Two wins in a row might change everything. The other Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas is third, 50/1, Sergio Perez from Red Bull comes fourth at 60/1. Only then do we come to Leclerc at 200/1. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris are both 250/1, and Sainz Jr. sits at 500/1. Pretty poor numbers for Ferrari’s drivers.
This could be the most important year for the young Monegasque driver. He got the chance to be the No.1 driver, forcing Vettel’s exit. The German was pretty much chased away from Ferrari, which puts additional pressure on Leclerc.
We need to say that his results in 2019 were far better than the last season. Back in his rookie year, he posted two wins, indicating enough potential to spice up things in the caravan. And when everyone expected the continuation of his growth, Leclerc just stopped.
During this year, he wasn’t anywhere near the projected performances, and once he had a chance to jump put and make some breakthrough, Leclerc experienced a massive setback. He won the pole position in Monte Carlo but had trouble with his gearbox, pulling out before the start.
Because of this, he now has to bounce back, otherwise, the 23-year old might lose another year.
The next race (Azerbaijan Grand Prix) has a huge significance for Leclerc as he needs to recover from Sunday’s blow. Yet, his prospects to win are not bright, 10/1. Lewis tops the list, 7/12, and Verstappen comes next 3/2. Bottas 5/1 and Perez 12/1, are sandwiching Leclerc. Sainz Jr. is at 30/1, with Norris and Ricciardo with 40/1 between him and his teammate.
With a podium here, Leclerc might have some chance of saving the season and making progress that would help and make him a championship contender in 2022.
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