You have to be a bit angels and a bit devils to be part of this world and understand its true essence. Put aside all the uncertainties and demand a lot especially from yourself. There are those who do it on the track, and those who wait anxiously for the protagonists in the paddock, with the roar of the engines in the background, a microphone and a notebook in hand. A different start from the one sanctioned by the going out of the traffic lights, but which represents an equally delicate task. Because at any moment everything can turn upside down, change. And precisely on that occasion it is necessary to demonstrate a great flexibility, as well as qualities that probably belong to a psychologist.
There are those who define them as privileged, those who believe it is an easy job. But we don't realize that if something seems easy it's because there is a person who has dedicated his whole life to making it seem easy. Improving, learning, always putting yourself on the line.
Mara Sangiorgio, journalist, sent by sky sports f1 and entry from the paddock of Circus he is one of these people. Reserved, humble, sagacious and even prickly when the job calls for it. She has those characteristics about her, you know, that make her a bit of an angel and a bit of a devil. A perfect mix, which over the years has made us go crazy and fall in love with her, of the way we look for and tell news about her. The model tailored to the public who watches her from home waiting for a connection that can bring her closer to that privileged world that seems a bit cold from the outside, but which, as she says, is made up above all of two elements: love and passion.
A fantastic season!
Mara we are returning from the GP of Silverstone e of Austria: have they been the two best races of the season so far?
“They were two good races, of two very intense weekends. I can say it was some of the good racing we have seen this year. Austria, for the intensity of the race, for overtaking. Silverstone instead for other reasons, especially considering what happened at Ferrari with Charles Leclerc. They were two wonderful races, I don't know if they were the best because I find it too difficult to find a bad race. Even at the beginning of the season we had great GPs: the first in Bahrain, but also Saudi Arabia or Australia. Therefore I tell you: the 2022 regulation was a nice surprise for everyone, because it allowed us to see good competitions and intense fights. If we also add the challenge between Verstappen and Leclerc, I'd say that this season is truly incredible".
Silverstone and Austria: two races, two Ferrari victories, the last one by Leclerc. How important was that success and how much is it worth for the Monegasque and the environment?
"It's worth a lot. The race of Silverstone it was beautiful and Sainz, better to specify it, he deserved the win. He was not given anything. I also understand the series of controversies that ensued because maybe Ferrari itself wasn't flawless, especially after the race. However, at that moment the Reds had a need: to go back to winning. For these reasons, it was preferred to focus on the race, rather than having a general picture of the championship which, in terms of points, sees Leclerc battling with Verstappen. In fact, the Monegasque's disappointment was clear, let's not forget that Charles was coming from two complicated races and had to raise the white flag many times due to reliability problems. Just a victory like the one obtained in Austria served Leclerc terribly: conquered on the track, with overtaking and with superior performances even of Red Bull. It was really a liberating victory, after all he also declared it to our microphones: he needed it a lot because it was necessary to win and do it like this".
Sprint: pass or fail?
In Austria we saw the second Sprint of the year. What do you think of the format: promoted or rejected?
“I can't tell you yet. Let's talk about a somewhat personal answer: I'm a great lover of the classic format, I really like seeing how the riders get to qualifying gradually, seeing the various values on the track based on what they told us in free practice. But I admit it: if he only stays on a few race weekends, even if they are already talking about increasing them, I don't mind. If nothing changes, the Sprint remains a project that doesn't upset many weekends during the season and that's why I approve of it".
What if instead, based on the latest news, the Sprints became six?
“In all probability the number will be this for next year. Well, maybe six are too many and I certainly wouldn't go any further, but obviously it remains a personal point of view. However having it once in a while turns the weekend upside down in a pleasant way: I really like the fact that pole goes to whoever did the fastest lap on Friday, but I also like the increase in points that has been done. Then, I repeat, I remain a traditionalist. I like Saturday a lot: the one-hour free practice sessions are very lively and the qualifying is so tight. It's really an incredible show”.
And about porpoising…
The new law would come into force in France pouring, now instead we will have to wait for Belgium. How do you rate this referral?
“It is right to address the issue, as it is a clear security problem. Seeing the pilots on board was amazing. But then, however, all this has become a political battle is a bit 'under everyone's eyes. We have also seen how in Mercedes in the last few races they have come to suffer much less from it. The established algorithm for calculating the jumps will come into effect from Spa by the F1 Commission, in which all the stables agreed. Now however, that the FIA wants to come back with the will to lift the car and change balances, which could go to modify the 2023 projects, is not correct, as it would involve distorting the work of the teams, for next season, which is already started".
Returning to the track, is there a rider who particularly amazes you?
“If we talk about the new generation riders… I'll tell you Russell. Let me explain: it's not a big surprise. Russell, with an adequate car, I compare him to the talent of Leclerc and Verstappen. However, I was stupid by his driving with the car he had: he managed to get great consistency out of that W13. He has never missed a great opportunity by the wayside and for this he really impressed me a lot ”.
Towards the French GP
Coming instead to France: what are your expectations? Can you confirm that Sainz will be penalized?
“It is what is expected. Ferrari is evaluating this possibility and I assure you that we will never have confirmation until the last moment. However, it is expected that he will be penalized, like Leclerc in Canada. On France, on the other hand, I think there will be another good match between Red Bull and Ferrari. It should be noted whether Red Bull has understood the tire management problem they had in Austria. If so, I expect a less weak Red Bull, combined with a Ferrari ready to bring, between Le Castellet and Hungary, updates to improve efficiency levels. However, keep an eye on Mercedes too: in Brackley, in fact, they expect a track like France to suffer less, given the smooth asphalt, the fast corners and fewer curbs to take; they are hoping to get closer to Red Bull and Ferrari and in my opinion they will undoubtedly be closer than Austria. I'll tell you more: let's not underestimate the struggle behind it, between McLaren and Alpine for fourth place in the constructors, but also keep an eye on the updates to the AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo which is always in the points with Bottas. It's going to be another great weekend."
Another great weekend also for us at FantaF1. So which riders do you suggest for the French GP?
“I focus on Leclerc. Then I take… Gasly, Norris, Schumacher and Alonso!”.
