Ferrari craves a new red zone. Not in the sense of the anti-Covid rules, which indicate this color as the one closest to lockdown. But in terms of podium, which at Imola was very close after a spectacular race run which reward Lando Norris. A papaya-colored McLaren that kept Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at bay. For now, only these two teams seem to be fighting for third place in the world championship, given the difficulties of other teams.
However, even with the awareness that 2020 is far away and that the current season appears more solid at this point of the championship, Scuderia Ferrari is not very satisfied only with having placed both cars in the points: “This time it is no longer the time to understand, analyze the data; the feelings in the Ferrari garage prevail over the technical speeches. Regret. «Seeing a disappointed team is a positive sign: it means that they want to win. We could have placed at least one driver on the podium” – the words of Mattia Binotto at the end of the race. The lost podium hurts, but we leave with high morale and with the feeling of having taken the right direction. The fact that Charles Leclerc went so fast in the first part on a wet track water indicates that the car found good downforce. But it was also the result of a set-up choice designed for a wet drive. It was from the end of 2019 that Ferrari had not put two drivers in the points for two GPs in a row, so the recovery has begun but it will take very long.” – Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera wrote after the race.
“Leclerc is never satisfied. Not a fourth place in Imola. The Monegasque tries to move the boundary farther than possible every time. He did so also in the Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. «We still lack something on the straights, we don’t have enough power – explains the boy – In the final part of the race it was impossible to imagine overtaking Norris or keeping Hamilton behind. I repeat, the result is good and I am also happy for the performance of Carlos. But when you do my job you have only one goal. Victory”. And it looks like hearing the great champions of Ferrari in a past that sooner or later will also have to come back to be present. However, as a team Ferrari did better than Red Bull and Mercedes, placing both cars in the points. Compared to the dramatic 2020, Ferrari is definitely catching up. Aston Martin is far behind, Ferrari is ahead of AlphaTauri and is playing with McLaren for the role of third force among the manufacturers.”- recognized Leo Turrini for Il Resto del Carlino.
“A Ferrari that is unsatisfied after a fourth and a fifth place is a Ferrari that is returning to becoming itself. From the car to the drivers to the strategies, everything worked out over the weekend in Imola. Except the radio. After the interruption after the Bottas-Russell accident, the drivers lined up behind the safety car. Leclerc was convinced there would be a new start on the grid and was surprised to see Verstappen accelerate as the safety car returned to the pits. Problem is, he couldn’t communicate with his engineer. A blackout that perhaps would not have changed the outcome of the race, but would have given the Monegasque driver the thrill of fighting for first place. Beyond the unfortunate episodes, the signs of recovery are measurable“, Publishes the newspaper La Stampa. The judgment is unanimous, Ferrari is once again competing with dignity for podium finishes, and the opponent will be the orange colour.
