Each Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes face the problem of managing a departing driver. Frederic Vasseur, if he’s formidable about defending second place within the Constructors’ Championship from McLaren, should deal with the rivalry between his two drivers to keep away from dropping invaluable factors. Mercedes is perhaps coping with a extra intense state of affairs, however the prize at stake is much less interesting.
The best evaluation is important: relating to Ferrari, all the things creates a stir. The skirmish between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at the Spanish Grand Prix was a scorching matter, with the media able to pounce ever since Ferrari introduced the signing of Lewis Hamilton final February.
There are broader concerns that deserve consideration, significantly the assist that Ferrari’s two drivers will present within the Constructors’ Championship. Ferrari and Mercedes are in the identical boat. Though the Anglo-German workforce noticed a driver depart (the alternative of Ferrari’s state of affairs), the ultimate consequence appears the identical.
At Mercedes, the connection between the 2 drivers is extra strained than at Maranello. There has at all times been a robust rivalry between Hamilton and Russell, regardless of official statements on the contrary. Even in the course of the Barcelona weekend, there have been heated radio feedback from George Russell in the direction of Hamilton firstly of Q3 (“What the hell is Lewis doing on the warm-up lap?”), together with his engineer Marcus Dudley working to calm him down. George was irritated by Hamilton’s sluggish tempo, as he was truly warming up his tires. Russell accused Lewis of ruining a set of soppy tires, however the incident didn’t achieve a lot traction.
Mercedes, having returned to podium competition within the final two races, sits fourth within the Constructors’ standings, however they’re 86 factors behind McLaren in third place. Ferrari’s state of affairs is totally different, as they’re presently second, however McLaren is closing in. The 2 groups are separated by 33 factors, however Norris and Piastri have gained 35 factors within the final two races.
At present, the distinction between the 2 groups lies within the extra constant efficiency of Ferrari’s drivers. Charles Leclerc is on par with Norris (with only a 2-point distinction in Lando’s favor), whereas the hole between Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri is way bigger, with the Spaniard forward by 29 factors.
To safe second place within the Constructors’ Championship (contemplating Pink Bull is out of attain), Ferrari wants full contributions from each drivers. In any other case, the possibilities of being overtaken by McLaren will enhance considerably.
Managing Carlos Sainz within the second half of the season shall be essential, given the troublesome state of affairs he has been dealing with for 4 months. His situation may be very totally different from that of Hamilton, who determined to depart the workforce. Whereas there are vital frictions, Lewis can’t complain because the selection was his.
As a lot as attainable, Carlos Sainz ought to be supported and understood, even contemplating actions like these seen in Montmelò. Carlos may be very clever, and the lengthy deliberation he has been finishing up over the previous months to resolve his future exhibits that each one situations have been thought-about.
Sainz may draw a profitable card, as Components 1 historical past has many comparable instances, however it would possibly take many seasons earlier than he finds himself driving a automotive that may problem for the rostrum once more, and Carlos is effectively conscious of this.
The Spaniard has fourteen extra Grands Prix as a Ferrari driver and can wish to capitalize as a lot as attainable, focusing solely on his efficiency with out strategic constraints. However, if weekends like Melbourne and Monaco come up the place victory is feasible, Charles Leclerc may not be keen to sacrifice himself (as he did final yr in Singapore) for the Maranello workforce’s profit, particularly if it advantages a departing teammate.
For Frederic Vasseur, it’s a problem inside a problem to information the workforce via the season with out dropping factors and with none leverage over automotive quantity 55.
Toto Wolff is in the same state of affairs, however with no head-to-head battle just like the one between McLaren and Ferrari, the place each level shall be essential. There are different high-tension groups within the paddock, resembling Alpine, most likely probably the most intense, however their objectives are totally different, and the highlight is way additional away than it’s on Ferrari.
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