Right here we go once more, with the distinction that, two races from the tip, diplomacy is out the window, and inhibitions have utterly given approach: between Sainz and Leclerc, there’s now a sort of “hatred” when it comes to inside competitors; on the identical time, every of them sees each different driver as simply one other opponent. That’s the truth. Not that we didn’t know this even earlier than Las Vegas, however now we really feel the necessity to make some extent: this short-circuit, evidently not properly managed by Ferrari on the pit wall, should not flip right into a drawback forward of the ultimate dash for the Constructors’ Championship.
In any other case, we’ll get indignant, like in that well-known movie with Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, the place, ultimately, the nice guys win.
We care about Ferrari successful, though, between its two drivers, we are able to’t work out who’s the “good one”—or moderately, let’s say, the “much less dangerous” one towards the opposite.
Among the many lights and casinos, the utmost attainable was accomplished when it comes to factors, and that’s the primary helpful reality. One other ingredient to contemplate is that, within the first half, Leclerc managed the tires worse than Sainz, who, at varied factors this season, has appeared sharper when it comes to race tempo and automobile administration.
As we write, by the best way, we nonetheless don’t understand how unequivocal the pit wall’s order concerning positions was. Or ought to we downgrade it to a suggestion? It’s unclear and, in a approach, partially excuses each Sainz’s selfishness (the sort each driver has) and Leclerc’s outbursts. Let’s say that when contemplating the entire Grand Prix, it’s value noting that Sainz first skilled some slowdowns not depending on his efficiency. The ultimate staff radio shouldn’t be the one factor remembered. We agree with Vasseur, who, other than his compulsory “firefighter” duties, made a particular level: feedback on the cool-down lap are made with out the complete image.
One factor we had understood, even earlier than the 2024 season began: the Spaniard would race primarily for himself, to safeguard his performances and depart as a lot of a mark as attainable at Ferrari. Up till yesterday, the coexistence with Leclerc had been overly chivalrous, contemplating the circumstances—not less than, that’s our opinion.
Since late yesterday afternoon, we’ve even heard folks evoke the well-known—and tragically prophetic—Villeneuve-Pironi quarrel over the occasions of Imola ’82. Let’s not child ourselves: in that case, there have been two teammates with clear directions and an unmistakable signal, which solely certainly one of them adopted to the letter. Villeneuve would possible have left on the finish of the 12 months, however at the moment, it wasn’t sure.
In conclusion, emphasizing in capital letters that FERRARI MUST NOT PAY THE PRICE, we’re left with two questions, this time for Leclerc: Charles, is the Constructors’ Championship extra necessary, or is second place within the Drivers’ Championship? The second: Charles, what is going to occur subsequent 12 months with Lewis Hamilton?