Ferrari Falls Even Further Behind
It's hard to believe, but Ferrari is in an even worse position heading into this weekend's Italian Grand Prix than they were a year ago. Despite replacing team principal Mattia Binotto with Fred Vasseur, the famous Italian team has failed to see any improvements in their performance. To make matters worse, they are currently 339 points behind Red Bull in the championship and find themselves in fourth place in the constructors' table.
Ferrari's Amateur Mistakes
Reliability issues, unpredictable aerodynamics, and laughable operational mistakes have plagued Ferrari this season. Their mistakes on the track have made them look like amateurs compared to their competitors. Red Bull Racing has dominated the sport, and Ferrari's performance has been far from what fans have come to expect from the most famous team in Formula 1.
Is Vasseur the Solution?
Ferrari made a change at the top by appointing Fred Vasseur as team principal, but it remains unclear whether he can turn the team's fortunes around. The operational mistakes that have plagued Ferrari since their last constructors' championship win in 2008 are not the result of Vasseur's leadership alone. The board of the Italian car manufacturer must also be losing patience with the team, especially after seeing their investment pay off with a win in the 24 Hour race at Le Mans. Ferrari needs to show significant improvement next season to regain the confidence of their fans and investors.
Poor Performance at Dutch GP
Ferrari's poor performance at the Dutch GP was a disappointment for both the team and their fans. Pitstops that resembled a Benny Hill sketch and a lack of pace on the track left the team struggling to keep up with their competitors. The drivers lacked confidence, and even Carlos Sainz admitted they were nowhere near the top. Ferrari's performance needs to improve significantly if they want to be seen as a serious contender in Formula 1.
Hamilton's Contract Stalemate
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has yet to sign a new contract, and it appears that both parties are at a stalemate. When asked about the contract, Hamilton simply replied, "Nope." The contract situation could be causing tension within the team, and it remains to be seen how it will impact their performance on the track.
Concerns About Wet Races
There are growing concerns about the current generation of F1 cars and their suitability for wet races. Visibility, rather than lack of grip, has become the main problem for drivers due to the aerodynamic properties of the cars. The spray caused by the aerodynamics and the water from the tires creates a mushroom effect, making it difficult for drivers to see. F1 is considering introducing measures to reduce the spray, but until a solution is found, wet races may continue to be a challenge for drivers.
Good News: Jennie Gow Returns After Stroke
Fans of BBC's F1 coverage and Drive to Survive will be pleased to know that presenter Jennie Gow has returned to work after suffering a stroke in December. Gow has spent the last eight months working on her recovery and learning to speak again. Her progress is inspiring, and it's great to see her back in the paddock.
Quartararo Disappointed with Yamaha Progress
MotoGP rider Fabio Quartararo has expressed his frustration with Yamaha's lack of progress. He believes his current bike is essentially the same as the one that Jorge Lorenzo raced to the title in 2015. Yamaha is currently joint-last in the manufacturers' championship, and Quartararo is considering his future with the team.
