Ferrari at the truce: Frustrated

The Ferrari team has adapted magnificently well to the new regulations, thus returning to the forefront of Formula 1. After the first Grand Prix of the season, the ambitions were clear, unfortunately, certain events have come to spoil the hopes of both the constructors and drivers’ titles.

Best race

The best race on Maranello team’s side is undoubtedly the Bahrain Grand Prix. Both drivers managed to achieve their one and only double of the season, taking advantage of a mechanical failure by Max Verstappen.

The Ferrari strategists had responded well to Max Verstappen’s two undercut attempts. The Monegasque had managed to fend off the champion’s few attacks and secure his first victory of the season.

Charles Leclerc had a perfect weekend. Pole position on Saturday, fastest lap in the race, and victory. Carlos Sainz qualified in third place on Saturday but finished behind his teammate.

Worst race

The worst race conducted by the Ferrari team this season was held in Baku, Azerbaijan with… a double retirement! Carlos Sainz retired due to a malfunction in his brakes.

C’est déjà terminé pour Sainz ❌#AzerbaijanGP🇦🇿 | ▶️ https://t.co/7plkVVV12v pic.twitter.com/KUwkQVYa3Z

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) June 12, 2022

Charles Leclerc had been the victim of an engine issue while he had secured the pole position on Saturday and was leading the race. Both Ferraris were out of the race after only 21 laps, thus allowing Red Bull the opportunity to achieve a one-two finish and make significant gains in the standings.

Au tour de Charles Leclerc d’abandonner alors qu’il était en tête du Grand Prix ! Dimanche catastrophique pour Ferrari ❌❌#AzerbaijanGP🇦🇿 | ▶️ https://t.co/7plkVVV12v pic.twitter.com/F3CXlddrHF

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) June 12, 2022

A progression?

Difficult to assess any progress of the Italian team in terms of pure car performance. They always seem to be in the fight with Red Bull, but strategic mistakes and driver errors have cost them dearly in recent races. One notable improvement is the tire management during the race. The Ferrari was excellent on a fast lap on Saturdays, but it encountered some difficulties in making its tires last, as seen in Imola for example.

Reliability compared to the rest of the field

Reliability has cost Ferrari some valuable points this season. Even though Red Bull had some reliability issues at the beginning of the season, their parts seem more durable. Both Ferrari drivers have already incurred a grid penalty due to exceeding the allowed number of component changes on the power unit. This could still have an impact on the second half of the season.

Pilots’ duel

The start of Charles Leclerc’s season was very good and rightfully positioned him as a strong contender for the world champion title. He achieved two victories and two second places in the first five races, while also securing three pole positions. However, the rest of the season became more challenging. He faced retirements due to engine issues in Spain and Baku, despite comfortably leading the Grand Prix. There was also an accident in France while he was once again leading the race. Furthermore, his strategy let him down in Monaco and England, where he was leading the race once again. And just before the break in Hungary, he made one more stop than the others.

Carlos Sainz had a difficult start to the season with 2 retirements in the first four races. One caused by a driving issue in Australia, the other due to a collision with Daniel Ricciardo at the first corner of the Imola Grand Prix, leaving the Spanish driver stuck in the gravel, just like in Australia. Often in the shadow of his teammate, he finally managed to achieve his first Formula 1 victory at Silverstone, greatly assisted by a strategic decision from his team. He had already fought for victory in the previous Grand Prix in Canada, where he finished less than two seconds behind Max Verstappen.

The Monegasque performs much better than his teammate in qualifying. With seven pole positions since the beginning of the season, he already has six more than Carlos Sainz and has qualified better than the Spanish driver ten times this year.

Position in the championship

Ferrari is currently in second place in the constructors’ standings, far behind Red Bull, and the main threat now is Mercedes, who could quickly catch up to the Italian team if the raised floors do not suit them.