Here we go again, with the difference that, two races from the end, diplomacy is out the window, and inhibitions have completely given way: between Sainz and Leclerc, there is now a kind of “hatred” in terms of internal competition; at the same time, each of them sees every other driver as just another opponent. That’s the reality. Not that we didn’t know this even before Las Vegas, but now we feel the need to make a point: this short-circuit, evidently not well managed by Ferrari at the pit wall, must not turn into a disadvantage ahead of the final sprint for the Constructors’ Championship.
Otherwise, we’ll get angry, like in that famous film with Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, where, in the end, the good guys win.
We care about Ferrari winning, even though, between its two drivers, we can’t figure out who is the “good one”—or rather, let’s say, the “less bad” one toward the other.
Among the lights and casinos, the maximum possible was done in terms of points, and that’s the first useful fact. Another element to consider is that, in the first part, Leclerc managed the tires worse than Sainz, who, at various points this season, has seemed sharper in terms of race pace and car management.
As we write, by the way, we still don’t know how unequivocal the pit wall’s order regarding positions was. Or should we downgrade it to a suggestion? It’s unclear and, in a way, partially excuses both Sainz’s selfishness (the kind every driver has) and Leclerc’s outbursts. Let’s say that when considering the whole Grand Prix, it’s worth noting that Sainz first experienced some slowdowns not dependent on his performance. The final team radio shouldn’t be the only thing remembered. We agree with Vasseur, who, aside from his obligatory “firefighter” duties, made a specific point: comments on the cool-down lap are made without the full picture.
One thing we had understood, even before the 2024 season started: the Spaniard would race primarily for himself, to safeguard his performances and leave as much of a mark as possible at Ferrari. Up until yesterday, the coexistence with Leclerc had been overly chivalrous, considering the circumstances—at least, that’s our opinion.
Since late yesterday afternoon, we’ve even heard people evoke the famous—and tragically prophetic—Villeneuve-Pironi quarrel over the events of Imola ’82. Let’s not kid ourselves: in that case, there were two teammates with clear instructions and an unmistakable sign, which only one of them followed to the letter. Villeneuve would likely have left at the end of the year, but at that time, it wasn’t certain.
In conclusion, emphasizing in capital letters that FERRARI MUST NOT PAY THE PRICE, we are left with two questions, this time for Leclerc: Charles, is the Constructors’ Championship more important, or is second place in the Drivers’ Championship? The second: Charles, what will happen next year with Lewis Hamilton?
