Chasing Mercedes
The Australia-China-Japan triple-header highlighted what was feared on the eve, namely a dominance by Mercedes, the most skilled at exploiting the regulatory revolution. Three consecutive victories are not the result of chance, and indeed there is a suspicion that Toto Wolff’s men are not even expressing their full potential. Ferrari is second among the constructors, -45 behind their rivals, but at Suzuka they also saw the return to the top positions of McLaren, also powered by Mercedes engines.
Montezemolo spurs Ferrari on
In his appearance on “La politica nel pallone” on Radio 1, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo did not hold back in commenting on Ferrari’s current situation.
The former sporting director and president of Maranello does not believe that the SF-26 can be a car capable of bringing home those world titles that have been missing since 2007 – among the drivers – and 2008 – in the constructors.
Montezemolo focused on the management of the team and the company: “Today at Ferrari I see a real lack of leadership, that is, a leader who works in Maranello 24 hours a day. When I talk about leadership, I am talking about all-round corporate leadership, both regarding road cars and therefore the Ferrari company, and regarding F1”. And he added, referring to the season: “I saw a good car in the first three races, reliable, consistent, but it is a car that does not seem to me capable of winning the world championship. Horsepower and energy are needed. It will be fundamental to see the team’s development capabilities.”
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The former president hopes for a surge from the team: “In Miami, a new world championship will open for everyone, there is a month to work and I hope that Ferrari has the capacity and the strength to develop the car. After so many years, it is not enough to win a few races or be enthusiastic about a podium, you have to win the World Championship and let’s hope that development guarantees a more top-tier car”, Montezemolo concluded.
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