Right here we go once more, with the distinction that, two races from the top, diplomacy is out the window, and inhibitions have fully given method: between Sainz and Leclerc, there may be now a type of “hatred” by way of inside competitors; on the similar 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 effectively 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 great guys win.
We care about Ferrari successful, despite the fact that, between its two drivers, we are able to’t work out who’s the “good one”—or quite, let’s say, the “much less dangerous” one towards the opposite.
Among the many lights and casinos, the utmost doable was achieved by way of factors, and that’s the primary helpful reality. One other factor to contemplate is that, within the first half, Leclerc managed the tires worse than Sainz, who, at varied factors this season, has appeared sharper by way of race tempo and automobile administration.
As we write, by the best way, we nonetheless don’t know the way unequivocal the pit wall’s order relating to positions was. Or ought to we downgrade it to a suggestion? It’s unclear and, in a method, partially excuses each Sainz’s selfishness (the type each driver has) and Leclerc’s outbursts. Let’s say that when contemplating the entire Grand Prix, it’s price noting that Sainz first skilled some slowdowns not depending on his efficiency. The ultimate group radio shouldn’t be the one factor remembered. We agree with Vasseur, who, except for his compulsory “firefighter” duties, made a selected 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 doable at Ferrari. Up till yesterday, the coexistence with Leclerc had been overly chivalrous, contemplating the circumstances—a minimum of, 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 probably have left on the finish of the yr, 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 vital, or is second place within the Drivers’ Championship? The second: Charles, what is going to occur subsequent yr with Lewis Hamilton?