Charles Leclerc was the closest competitor to Max Verstappen in the 2022 title battle. After a 1-2 finish in the season opener in Bahrain, Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s partnership was looking likely to produce the team’s first championship win in 15 years.
But Ferrari’s title hopes waned away after the team endured a poor spell of performances. One key issue pointed out was the team’s reluctance to nominate Leclerc as their ‘number 1’ car and for Sainz to keep the support role.
Until the halfway mark, Leclerc was close to Verstappen in the standings. But the lack of support from his teammate and poor strategy calls eliminated a chance to fight for the title. And led to clashes like in Silverstone.
The former sporting director of Ferrari Cesare Fiorio claims the team need not carry out team orders to favour one driver. But Fiorio has outlined that the duo must work in tandem if the team aims to claim the title in 2023.
Fiorio outlines the differences between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are two very different drivers. Leclerc did manage to outperform the Spaniard, but there are certain traits that differentiate the two.
Cesare Fiorio outlines the differences between the pair saying, “Leclerc is unbelievable in qualifying, and Sainz is amazing in the race.” But to win the title there must be more harmony.
He adds, “There is no need to establish hierarchies at the start, or at least I hope Ferrari doesn’t. Halfway through the championship, with the positions stabilized, it’s time to put the second in support of whoever is ahead in the standings.”
He explains that in case one driver is ahead and contends for the title, then the team must work to improve his results. Something Ferrari missed out on this season.
A race driver might not agree to such a sacrifice, but in certain situations, the team holds more significance than an individual. As Fiorio claims, “They are professionals and know what the team needs.”
Also Read: Charles Leclerc doesn’t want Ferrari to treat Carlos Sainz as second driver
Fiorio claims Mattia Binotto should have stayed
In 2023, Charles Leclerc will be reunited with his former Sauber boss Fred Vasseur who takes charge as Ferrari’s new team principal. Vasseur was appointed as Mattia Binotto’s replacement who leaves the position after 4 seasons.
Ferrari’s in-race blunders and failure to win the title were the reason Binotto was sacked. But Cesare Fiorio claims the judgement was too harsh on the Italian.
Fiorio stated,“I would have kept Mattia Binotto, I’ve always considered him a great technician: the F1-75 was, alongside Red Bull, the best car of 2022.”
Fiorio claims the incoming Vasseur lacks the experience of leading a big team like Ferrari. Although Vasseur has fared well with small teams working under a tight budget, this won’t be the case at Maranello.
Fiorio claims the demand to secure silverware will be high on the Frenchman. He shared, “Vasseur needs a strong team alongside him.
He added, “In case of failure, he will have the alibi of having just arrived. However, I think he is a capable and intelligent person, able to adapt quickly.”
2022 was a revival for Ferrari, who have found momentum and a winning formula. The team must improve their race strategy and consistency in order to challenge the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes.
