Before Monza: Vettel & Leclerc describe the Ferrari myth

During Corona times, Formula 1's strict hygiene and safety measures do not allow spectators in the Royal Park of Monza. The absence of the Ferraristi on Sunday (15.10:XNUMX p.m.) could even make Vettel's farewell pain a little more bearable.

“The most overwhelming thing about being a Ferrari driver is how many fans the team has around the world” Sebastian Vettel “I will experience Monza for the first time without fans,” mused the four-time world champion, who was retired from the Scuderia at the end of the year and who has not yet been able to win in red in Lombardy. “But that makes it a little easier for me because the most overwhelming thing about being a Ferrari driver is how many fans the team has around the world.” Ferrari is following the field This year, however, all that is required is the ability of the fans in red to suffer. Horrifying deficiencies in aerodynamics and engine performance caused Michael Schumacher's former racing team to crash brutally. Industry leader Mercedes around Lewis Hamilton is no longer the reference point. It is the backbenchers Alfa Romeo and Haas, which are equipped with drives by Ferrari. “Giving up is not an option,” said the Scuderia bravely and desperately before the 999th Grand Prix in their glorious history. “Disappointment only makes us dig deeper.”

Charles Leclerc (front) and Sebastian Vettel are currently following the music. © APA/afp / ALEJANDRO GARCIA

Binotto with slogans of perseverance But when you rummage around, you also discover something unpleasant. In the Ferrari bereavement, these are drastic realizations. For example, when it comes to when the 16-time constructors' world champion could be at the top again. “If you look back at all the winning cycles, they always span several years,” admitted team boss Mattia Binotto. “There are no panaceas in Formula 1. Patience and stability are required.”

Ferrari's endurance with Binotto is being severely strained; in Vettel's case it will end after this season. Six years have passed without the longed-for title with the Italians for the Hessian. In any case, he will have to forego a conciliatory finish in Monza, where he sensationally won his first Formula 2008 race for Toro Rosso in 1. In the spiritual home of the Ferraristi, engine power is in demand - and the current Scuderia vintage has shockingly little to offer.

The ban on “party mode” could “influence some racing teams,” said Binotto with quiet confidence before the eighth round of the season. “I'm curious to see how much and which racing teams this influences.” The background to the statement is that from the Italian Grand Prix onwards, the teams should only use one engine setting for qualifying and the race. Mercedes in particular was able to benefit from the so-called party mode, which released additional power on one lap, with pole record holder and World Cup defending champion Hamilton in particular.

“It felt ten times stronger than anything I’ve experienced before in my career.” Charles Leclerc on his victory in Monza Monza will be merciless for Ferrari. Here they are reminded of parties in a red madhouse, here they are reminded of earlier triumphal journeys. Just like last year, when Vettel's stable rival Charles Leclerc finally raced into the hearts of Scuderia fans with his first Ferrari victory in nine years. “That felt ten times stronger than anything I’ve experienced before in my career,” said the Monegasque at the time, as the enthusiastic spectators cheered him at the top of their lungs.

Ferrari is an intense experience. No question. Perhaps it is now even grudgingly acceptable for Ferrari that the spectators will not be there. After all, the Scuderia now attracts more ridicule and pity than cheer. So another fiasco in this sad Ferrari season can't feel ten times more painful than anything else.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Before Monza: Vettel & Leclerc describe the Ferrari myth

A feeling of loneliness is likely to affect Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari in Monza. Without its enthusiastic fans, the Scuderia has to contest its home Grand Prix in the high-speed temple.

Suggestions

Comments (0)