Ferrari between pole and weather, waiting for Max Verstappen’s comeback
While waiting to see what antics the weather will bring to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, whether it will be kind and welcome the drivers with sunshine or if it will once again shuffle the cards by bringing down another downpour on the Ardennes circuit, Ferrari is preparing to live what even the Italian media has called “the great opportunity.” Charles Leclerc in pole position, Carlos Sainz in fourth position, and Max Verstappen only starting sixth. This is due to the penalty the Dutchman received for a gearbox change, as in Friday’s qualifying, the reigning world champion had still been – by far – the fastest driver on the track.
But what will be Charles Leclerc’s and Ferrari’s real target today? Even the Italian newspapers are divided, aware that – after yesterday’s fourth and fifth places, with Carlos Sainz ahead of the Monegasque driver – a podium, maybe even a double, would be met with great enthusiasm. There are few who realistically believe that the two SF-23s have a chance to stay ahead of Max Verstappen’s RB19 for the entire GP. The comeback of #1 seems to be more a question of ‘when’ than ‘if.’ The important thing for the Maranello team will be not to make mistakes, so as not to spend the entire summer break dealing with yet another dose of regrets.
Newspaper analysis
“[…] The chance is today – writes Stefano Mancini in La Stampa – Charles Leclerc starts ahead. Pole position is not a guarantee of results, but it offers some favorable situations: for example, the possibility to stay ahead and take advantage of the visibility that, in case of wet asphalt, is a privilege for the leader. […]. In the group of chasers, there’s Max Verstappen. […]: if he passes the first two or three corners unscathed, his comeback will predictably be straightforward. On the other hand, he’ll have to fight and make his way through, with all the risks involved.”
“[…] Today Charles Leclerc starts ahead of everyone, with Carlos in the 2nd row. And if the victory of the Dutchman is not in doubt […], it is still an important opportunity to return to the podium […],” highlights Massimo Calandri in the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica. With an appeal to the two drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz: “[…] boys, now turn those long faces into determination. Today, it shouldn’t rain. And it’s an opportunity not to be missed.”
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In Corriere dello Sport, Italian journalist Giorgio Burreddu doesn’t believe in illusions: “[…] the Red Bull is lightning-fast, and thinking of keeping it behind, looking for a way to slow it down, is unthinkable. Ferrari must focus on its own state of health. The rest will be seen […].”
Similarly, Leo Turrini, in an article published in Il Giorno, expresses a clear sense of realism: “[…] the attention of the red pit wall is obviously focused on the actual race. Not that there’s room for illusions, yet Charles Leclerc in pole is still a sight to behold because it’s now a rare event […]. Realistically, the ultimate goal is second place […].” – he concluded ahead of Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.
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