The tenth round of the world championship is approaching, and the phrase "the world championship is still long", albeit true, begins to sound little by little less convincing. The gap that separates Max Verstappen by Charles Leclerc is forty-nine points, and the title seems to have already taken a very specific direction. Ferrari proved to have the most competitive single-seater for most of the stages, but the hay placed on the farm is dangerously scarce. The mantra “Ferrari must redeem itself” has never been as true as it is in view of the strenuous English weekend.
Ferrari takes the blows
The score speaks for itself: Red Bull 7, Ferrari 2. When the Austrian team had the opportunity to score, they didn't think twice, finding victory a Jeddah, Imola, Miami, Spain, Monaco, Baku, and finally Canada. The Team di Maranello instead had to settle, with a lot of bitterness in the mouth, of only two hits: In Bahrain and Australia. The situation of the little horse is very uncomfortable, the victory has been missing for two and a half months, and seems to have entered a vicious circle that does not bode well at all.
Ferrari is there but then it isn't
The work done by Mattia Binotto's technicians is commendable. The F1-75 has proven itself as one car with excellent adaptability and fit: the Red performs well on all types of tracks and in all types of conditions. The engine gap from the top power units Red Bull e Mercedes it was filled, indeed outnumbered by a few horsepower. There seem to be all the credentials to aim for the title, but when some piece is missing, the body doesn't work as it should, and the results are desired, especially when against such “ruthless” opponents.
Until now, the missing pieces have been essentially two: Strategy and reliability. These essential components cost points and victories. To give a few examples, in Monaco, Leclerc gave up the top step of the podium due to a pit call proved catastrophic, later finishing fourth; to Baku e Barcelona the Monegasque was forced to retire while leading, betrayed by an engine that proved to be surprisingly fragile.
Reliability: save yourself who can
However, Ferrari is not the only one to suffer from poor reliability. Red Bull had three retirements in the first three races; therefore, it is certain that the outcome of the world championship will be greatly influenced by whether or not a car manages to reach the finish line. Regarding the theme yes it is expressed George Piola: "Also there Ferrari complained of reliability problems, but they were identified and in theory they should never happen again. Instead the alarm related to Sergio Perez it concerns the same component of the car that had caused the previous stops: it means that The plumbing problem has not yet been resolved at Red-Bull and this thing could be very important for the rest of the season”.
In dazzling shape
Speaking of teams and cars, it's impossible to overlook the drivers. Leclerc e Verstappen they are demonstrating their incredible talent at every turn, and make few if any mistakes. Leclerc paid the excess of enthusiasm at Imola, slipping from third to sixth; while Verstappen made a mistake in Spain ending up on the gravel but managing to continue towards victory. In short, two very similar errors but with an outcome totally different.
About theDutch expressed the Red Bull designer Adrian Newey"It's unfair to compare riders from different eras, but I think Max is right up there with the best. I think the aggressive rider image is too much. Maybe in his first races in Formula 1 it was, but if we look at last season, no. Overall he is very calm and measured, has amazing reflexes and is a pleasure to work with"
Silverstone is coming: Ferrari must get up, and the R is capitalized
On the English track there will be news brought by the teams. Red Bull will bring a new aero packagebut on paper it is Ferrari that can count on a greater advantage… actually three. First of all, thanks to the reduced fuel consumption at Silverstone, Ferrari will be able to use a portion of the fuel for post-combustion, practice that serves to cool the combustion chamber gaining reliability. Secondly, the top speeds at Silverstone will act as a pain reliever for the drivers' backs. limiting the problem of porpoising from which the F1-75 still suffers so much. Finally, the lighter weight than red compared to the RB18 it will guarantee Sainz and Leclerc a gain of a couple of tenths a lap about compared to rivals.
In short, the credentials are there, and in Maranello there is a need to raise another flag as soon as possible. Summer break is near, and in these four grands prix those who leave fewer crumbs to their opponents will be able to start the second part of the season with more peace of mind, however peaceful such a tight battle may be.
SOURCES: Chronogp; FormulaPassion; Circusf1; oasport
