With the Belgian Grand Prix the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot completed, Formula 1 goes on its summer break with the promise of returning at the end of August for the Dutch Grand Prix. The first part of the 2023 Formula One season has delivered few emotions, largely due to the overwhelming dominance of Red Bull, which has won all the races so far, thanks especially to the remarkable performances of Max Verstappen.
However, points of reflection are not lacking, especially for Ferrari, the real disappointment of the championship after a winter of championship claims. Charles Leclerc knows all about it, relentlessly waiting for a car that allows him to pursue his ambitions. This and more were discussed by Italian journalist and F1 pit reporter working for Sky Sport Mara Sangiorgio in an in-depth analysis published on the SkySportF1 website. Below is an excerpt of her considerations.
Mara Sangiorgio’s Analysis:
“Formula 1 hits the pause button and goes on vacation. Under the umbrella, there are those like Max Verstappen who will have no worries, except to recharge for the second part of the season. Then there are those like Charles Leclerc who will continue to have concerns, but at least the third podium of 2023 makes the Ferrari’s balance sheet a bit less bitter, though it remains negative so far considering the expectations at the beginning of the year,” Sangiorgio begins, taking stock of the 2023 championship.
She then focuses on the Dutch driver, emphasizing: “At Spa-Francorchamps, the two-time world champion crossed the double-digit mark: ten victories out of twelve races, the 45th victory in his career. Listing records and numbers now becomes almost a superfluous exercise because this Verstappen can truly dream of trying to win them all. Just look at the gap with which he won over his teammate Perez, who finished behind him. And when I say ‘behind,’ I mean 22 seconds behind. In Belgium, Verstappen started from the sixth position due to a gearbox change, while the Mexican driver started from the front row. More than battling his on-track opponents, Verstappen clashed multiple times via radio with his race engineer Giampiero Lambiase, an important piece of his inner circle, his eyes on the computer and data at the Red Bull pit wall.” – the Italian journalist pointed out.
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Max’s march seems unstoppable, and Ferrari certainly won’t be able to bridge the gap to Red Bull with the snap of fingers. Nevertheless, some improvements are starting to be seen. “In Belgium, it surprised itself a bit,” the journalist refers to Ferrari. The imperative in Maranello is to keep working. “The car is still too much of a roller coaster, and that’s where they need to work. In Max’s dominance, aiming to confirm itself as the second force should be more than an objective, it should be an obligation,” she concludes.
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