With Ferrari weathering the stormy seas of delivering below expectations in Formula 1, former driver Jean Alesi has the headline’s advice for the Scuderia and praise for team boss Mattia Binotto.
With failure at Monza, and the entire season for that matter, as a backdrop; Sunday at Monza, in front of their expecting Tifosi daring to dream that Charles Leclerc could turn pole position into victory, emulating his heroics at the Temple of Speed in 2019.
But Max Verstappen has been unstoppable everywhere since he turned tenth on the grid in Hungary into a win ith a spring to boot, however, since then he has been unbeatable, ticking Monza off his places-to-win list.
Even Alesi, who spent five years in Red winning once for Ferrari in that time, believed on Saturday afternoon after Leclerc’s mighty lap sent Monza into raptures.
Speaking to Corriere Della Sera, Alesi reckoned: “Honestly, I believed it. I thought Leclerc could win at Monza after that crazy lap in qualifying. This was not the case and I have some friendly and affectionate thoughts to pass on to Mattia Binotto. I admire his virtue, as a true leader he protects his team
“It’s the right attitude, always. For example, no one knows the name of the designer who chose the wrong path in Mercedes, just as anyone who makes a mistake under pressure during a race must be protected.”
Jean: Only a few tweaks are missing
The Frenchman continued: “As a Tifosi I am also convinced that Binotto can look for some reinforcement for the future without fanfare. On the strategy front, where perhaps a more aggressive approach would be useful; on the front of the rapid understanding of the set-up, which Red Bull seems to be doing with a greater state of readiness.”
“I’m not talking about revolutions but about consolidation on some decisive aspects to counter first-rate adversaries. On the other hand, I am sure that this year’s reliability problems will be solved and that Ferrari will be able to race with a solid as well as a very powerful power unit.
“There is everything to keep improving. Only a few tweaks are missing, in the name of continuity,” added Alesi.
After 16 rounds, a season that promised so much and started so well, Ferrari are fighting for second in the 2022 F1 Constructors’ World Championship, Red bull are long gone and looking to wrap up their first title since 2013 in coming races.
Ditto Verstappen whose 11th victory of the season, puts him almost out of reach and second crowning is also due soon, Japan-soon.
Runner-up in the Drivers’ standings will be fought out by Leclerc, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Mercedes’ Geroge Russell who are within striking distance – 16 points between the trio – with six scoring rounds to go. Carlos Sainz, who beat his teammate in his first season in Red, has work to do as he lies fifth, 32 points adrift of Leclerc.
