Scuderia Ferrari has officially confirmed that it will replace Kimi Raikkonen with rising star Charles Leclerc in its Formula 1 driver line-up for 2019, which means that the 20-year-old Monégasque racing driver will partner Sebastian Vettel next season, when the Maranello team will once again attempt to challenge Mercedes for the world titles.
The 2018 Formula One championship started in a promising manner for Scuderia Ferrari, as Sebastian Vettel won the first two races of the season, in Melbourne and Sakhir. The Italian side looked strong during the first half of the championship, but things went completely wrong from the Singapore Grand Prix and the last few races have compromised any chance of successfully fighting for the titles in the final Grands Prix of the year. While Ferrari seemed to have the most dominant car until the Italian Grand Prix, it has since become clear that Mercedes regaind it’s advantage. But at the same time, Ferrari’s No 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has been under scrutiny due to a few mistakes that have probably contributed to losing the championship.
One solution that some fans consider would be needed is a different change in the driver line-up for 2019. As a result, fans have started a petition asking Maurizio Arrivabene and the Maranello team to bring back Fernando Alonso, who raced for the Scuderia between 2010–2014.
“Back in November 2014 the news of Sebastian Vettel joining Ferrari was made official. For some this was a shock, even when this was the worst kept secret of the last decade. Vettel had been having his worst season ever, and yet Ferrari was willing to give up Alonso. Who, as you all know, is considered as the best driver of this generation. Four years later, both Ferrari and Alonso should look back at this decision with regret. Ferrari now has a car which is not only a lot more faster then in 2014, but can actually fight for winning the championship. With Kimi Raikkonen far from the driver which impressed 10-12 years ago, and with Sebastian Vettel who did not prove he was able to cope with the pressure of performing at his best when needed, we want to see Fernando Alonso back in a competitive red car. With him and another good driver, Ferrari could win both titles in 2019!” – is the text of the petition recently started on change.org.
Click here to see the petition.
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