Mixed feelings for Sauber
A timid start to the Swiss team's twenty-fifth season. Antonio Giovinazzi completed his first Grand Prix, while Marcus Ericsson was unlucky to be hit by Magnussen's Haas.
Antonio Giovinazzi: Clean and Flawless
Standing in at the last minute for Pascal Wehrlein, who is still suffering from neck issues, the 2016 GP2 vice-champion shone… through his discretion. The Italian managed his race aboard the C36 with skill. Steady, he deftly avoided the pitfalls, particularly at the start. The only regret is not having seen him more often in action against other competitors. Overtaken by Stroll early in the race or by Ericsson, he handled his race task, generally in solitude.
« It was a good race, I am happy with my performance. My goal was to gain experience and mileage. I will sit down with my engineers to precisely analyze where I need to improve. I thank the Sauber F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari. It was an incredible weekend! »
In any case, the Italian team’s reserve driver can be proud. After thinking it was a “joke” when the replacement was announced, Antonio Giovinazzi leaves a great impression on observers. Especially after a remarkable qualifying session, finishing just a breath away from his teammate, who is much more experienced. And for the record, he succeeds Vitantonio Liuzzi and Jarno Trulli, the last Italians to finish a race, 5 years and 4 months after the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2011. It remains to be seen now if we will see him again soon this season.
Marcus Ericsson: Wronged and Abandoned
The Swede is the collateral victim of the first round. Starting in 14th position, he could do nothing against the suicidal attack by Kevin Magnussen in the third corner. Pushed into the gravel by the latter, the former Caterham driver was able to rejoin, behind his teammate: « A really disappointing race for me. I didn’t get a good start. Unfortunately, I was hit from behind in the third corner, which caused a lot of damage on the right side of the car and on the floor. From that moment on, my race was ruined ».
His only reason for satisfaction would have been to outpace his new teammate, in order to set the record straight after yesterday’s performance. But the Ferrari engine on board decided to give up on the 21st lap.
To make up for it, Monisha Kaltenborn defended her driver with heart and soul. The team principal was even outraged by the passivity of the panel of stewards, who are generally very incisive: “I did not understand why the FIA did not react. The stewards had established the rules. The situation was clear here.”
On this basis, she will try to obtain a clarification of the maneuver by the Chinese Grand Prix, the next stop of the F1 Circus.
