Leo Turini: Only one more miracle will help Ferrari in Abu Dhabi

Leo Turini, a more than renowned Italian journalist, is known for his close ties with Ferrari and is also known for his inveterate optimism. After yesterday’s Qatar Grand Prix, he attempted to analyze the rather surprising situation his beloved team found itself in ahead of the season finale.

Could anyone have thought of this in February? However, it is true: for the first time in twelve years, Ferrari will fight for victory in the constructors’ championship in the last race of the season. This hasn’t happened since 2012, since Luca di Montezemolo was president of the company. Fernando Alonso then battled Sebastian Vettel for the title on the rainy asphalt of the track in Brazil.

Those who are alien to pessimism will agree with me: this can already be considered an important result, which completely correctly reflects the nature of the season, and the Scuderia spent it more than worthily.

The bad news is that the McLaren team was stronger than Ferrari in Qatar. The papaya-colored cars still have a very noticeable speed advantage, and next Sunday only a real miracle will help us – I would say: another miracle! But if, despite everything, the Scuderia manages to stay ahead of its rivals, it will be a real sensation. In any case, the team is already claiming victory in the championship, and this is the credit of Frederic Vasseur and his entourage.

It must be emphasized that Leclerc handled exceptionally well in the dunes of the Qatari deserts. He once again showed his best qualities – honestly, I can’t understand how anyone could doubt him.

On the one hand, this world is beautiful in its diversity, but it is just a pity that some of the opinions expressed spoil everything.

But Carlos Sainz was just unlucky. Circumstances worked against him, from a flat tire to a hiccup during a pit stop. I think his car suffered some damage when he hit some debris on the track, which probably explains why he couldn’t overtake Pierre Gasly’s Alpine in the end. At least that’s what I think.

Having said all this, I will not ignore the main topic of the day: the heavy penalty (10-second Stop&Go) imposed on Lando Norris for violating the yellow flag rule.

Conspiracy theorists, as always, have an explanation ready: the FIA ​​wanted the battle for the Constructors’ Championship to continue until the final stages of the season. Well, very good.

Unfortunately, these conspiracy theorists usually overlook much more serious circumstances. However, I will not try to convince them, but I will simply allow myself to be of two minds.

The first is dictated by common sense: if someone does not slow down under yellow flags, this is always considered a very serious violation of the rules.

The second is associated with memories of the events of the 1997 Japanese Grand Prix. Subsequently, Jacques Vienneve, the leader of the individual competition, was disqualified in Suzuka for violating the yellow flag rule during Friday practice! Then the Canadian still won the title and defeated Michael Schumacher, but I gave this example just to emphasize: there is nothing scandalous in such statements.

I’m afraid that Ferrari is now, just like in 1997, not destined to become champions. But think about it: before the season finale, the team remains a contender for victory in the Constructors’ Championship! We are no longer used to this.

PS I’ll briefly summarize the rest of the results. Max Verstappen won in truly royal style. Sensational success for the Sauber team, now led by Mattia Binotto. At the same time, during a radio exchange with his engineer, Guanyu Zhou reproduced Kimi Raikkonen’s legendary phrase: “Leave me alone!”

Lewis Hamilton was completely invisible, didn’t look like himself – but that’s okay, he’ll make up for it when he moves to Ferrari. But as the Athenians once said to the apostle Paul, “We will hear from you about this at another time.”