22 September 2019, Singapore Grand Prix. Covid is still widespread only locally in China, the pandemic is pure science fiction in the Western world. Lewis Hamilton is on his way to his sixth Formula 1 title, while Sebastian Vettel captures what will be his last win so far and his last with Scuderia Ferrari. To seal the red success, Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc takes second place. A wonderful double win, a car, the SF90, which convinces not only on fast sections, but also on low-speed circuits.
Two years have passed but, also due to the socio-health situation of the current world, it seems like a lifetime ago. Ferrari now needs a win. Two years of purgatory, disappointments and some sporadic podiums, but without ever hitting the top step of the podium. First with the disastrous SF1000, with Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel who miraculously managed to score three podiums. Then with the current SF21, better than the car that preceded it and able to score four podium finishes ahead of the last seven race.
But there is bitterness. Bitterness for big missed opportunities to win. Especially considering that Pierre Gasly with Alpha Tauri, Sergio Perez with Racing Point, Esteban Ocon with Renault and Daniel Ricciardo with McLaren have managed to take a victory since 2020, in chronological order. All cars that are at the same level if not inferior to Ferrari. But when the race goes crazy and everyone comes into play for the highest stakes, the Maranello team never manages to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. Bad luck, yes, but also wrong reading of the race.
The symphony must change. In this sense, the new engine brought to Russia and used on Charles Leclerc’s car seems to have given excellent impressions, both in terms of power and reliability. Carlos Sainz will also use it in Turkey, with the Spaniard who will be forced to start from the bottom of the grid but will be able to enjoy a fresher and more powerful power unit. His teammate, on the other hand, will be able to express the full potential of the updated car to fight with the McLarens and, perhaps, with the second drivers of Mercedes and Red Bull. Then, rain is also predicted at Istanbul Park for the weekend. And then who knows if the victory so desired by the Ferrari fans may not already arrive on Sunday. Maybe right at the end of another crazy race.
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