Charles Leclerc (F1)
Ferrari suffered a major hiccup in Imola, with Carlos Sainz registering a DNF and Charles Leclerc failing to make a podium finish
Ferrari failed to continue its incredible run so far this season in Imola. They were the favorites to dominate the race on home turf, in a circuit name after their late founder but it was not the case. Carlos Sainz registered a DNF while Charles Leclerc failed to make a podium finish. Despite this hiccup, Ferrari continues to lead both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Leclerc compounded his problems with a bad Grand Prix start and eventually a spin that meant a certain third-place finish became an only-just-salvaged sixth. Carlos Sainz made an early exit in the gravel again, thereby failing to even register a timing. Ferrari’s strategy change of changing tires seemed odd given Leclerc was on for such a comfortable third place, although managing the tires to the end was a tough ask after such an early-round of pitstops because the track was drying. It injected unnecessary jeopardy into Leclerc’s race, as even though he was quickly back ahead of Norris he then found himself in a position to attack Perez. That meant Leclerc was taking risks at the end of a grand Prix that could have had a straightforward finish.
Between the poor start, the strategy change, and the spin, this was an edgy and uncertain performance all round from Leclerc and Ferrari combined. Such a contrast to their handling of the first three races, and it came at the first home race that Ferrari had come to with any expectation on it in a long time.
Despite the poor showing in Imola, Ferrari continues to stay on top of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Charles Leclerc leads the drivers with 86 points while a second race win of the season means Max Verstappen has reduced the gap and moved into second place with 59 points followed by his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez in third place with 54 points.
In the constructors’ championship, Ferrari’s comfortable lead at the top has been reduced drastically by Red Bull. Ferrari leads the table with 124 points with Red Bull just behind them on 113. There is a fair amount of gap between the top 2 teams and the rest of the grid with Mercedes occupying third place having earned 77 points.