With the third place scored by Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz in the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix following the disqualification of Sebastian Vettel, the Maranello team managed to reach third place in the Constructors’ standings, pairing McLaren at 163. The Italian side has already scored more points than last – unsatisfactory – season ( 131 in total), when Ferrari could not manage better than sixth in the standings. But the prospects of Mattia Binotto’s men are all directed towards 2022 and that regulatory revolution that could make the Italian team competitive again for victory. To do this, attention was paid to the new single-seater in unsuspecting times, and on the track the focus was on the growth of the car and the team in general, rather than on individual results. Keeping in mind the races of last season, the progress made on the track in a difficult situation, characterized by the regulation freezing and the few possibilities of development of the car, is undeniable.
“There has been a step forward on the engine and the potential is visible, but realizing it will not be easy”, analyzed Jacques Villeneuve, who then criticized the Prancing Horse: “They made a big mess in the past, ending up betting everything on 2022 and nothing on this year. First they wanted to be an Italian team, then they changed their minds. The best men have been sent away, and some of them now work in Mercedes. What we see on track today is the result of choices dating back five years ago” – the 1997 Formula 1 world champion explained.
Going into the details of the duo of drivers formed by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Jacques Villeneuve added: “To look for a winning direction you have to follow the indications of the strongest. Either the two drivers have a similar driving style, and it doesn’t seem to be the case, or it will depend on who will be able to provide the best ideas.”
Jacques Villeneuve’s observation has its roots in the Canadian’s belief that Red Bull has put on the track an ideal car for Max Verstappen’s needs. In the interview with Italian newspaper Libero, the former Williams driver also recalled the rivalry with Michael Schumacher: “I didn’t feel it, because there has never been a human relationship between us. We did not get along and never attempted to get closer. Maybe just a few greetings, years later.”
