Leo Turini: Ferrari’s worst race since the start of the season

Leo Turini, an Italian journalist who has been a Ferrari fan since the 1970s, cannot explain the results his favorite team showed at Spa yesterday.

It’s hard to believe, but two diametrically opposite things happened in Belgium, and that’s kind of a sensation in my opinion.

First, the speed of the Ferrari has gone somewhere. Definitely, it was the Scuderia’s worst race since the start of the season. It has happened before that Red Bull showed their superiority, but never before has it been so overtly overwhelming.

Secondly, this team has clearly improved – at least Max Verstappen. But by the way, I want to draw your attention to the fact that this did not happen by chance at all.

On the Belgian circuit, truly talented riders have always shined – think Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. Personally, I understood this for a long time, I never doubted it. Yes, someone may not like the Dutchman, but he is a real champion, and there is nothing to argue about.

Now let’s move on to the main question, which can be formulated as follows: what can we expect in the next phase of the championship, at the Dutch Grand Prix?

Let me explain. Perhaps Ferrari’s significant backlog is directly related to the new technical requirements of the FIA, aimed at combating the build-up of cars?

Of course I don’t know the answer, and it’s not the fact that Verstappen and Red Bull win again that surprises me, but the extent of their superiority. Then why did Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz say all weekend, sharing their predictions, that they could fight for the win? But really, despite Ferrari’s occasional misses and problems, we haven’t seen Red Bull have such an advantage this year – at least it didn’t manifest itself so clearly.

Although it cannot of course be ruled out that some technical innovations have been implemented at Red Bull and which turned out to be surprisingly effective. But let me remind you that until the end of July, until the summer holidays, everyone spoke with one voice about how great they are working at Ferrari and upgrading their car.

And now I hear that Maranello just doesn’t know what to do because all their technical innovations don’t work, etc. Maybe it’s not all that dramatic. But the fact remains: a month ago, exactly the opposite things were said about Ferrari.

Finally, I can’t help but mention the comedic episode that amused everyone at the end of the race. I am referring to Ferrari’s attempt to give Charles the chance to earn one bonus point for the fastest lap in a situation where Verstappen’s lead in the individual standings has already reached almost 100 points.

Heaven behold, I personally would never do that. I say this with a touch of irony, but would anyone feel happier if Ferrari managed to earn this point?

In general, all this can not help but upset …