1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill has brutally slammed Ferrari for their shocking start to the 2023 season, with the Italians having been accused of “running with one leg all the time”.
Inconsistency has been the theme of Ferrari’s campaign, something which has left the team scratching their heads.
The Maranello-based team’s season so far was summed up to perfection last weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix, as Carlos Sainz thrived initially, whilst Charles Leclerc faltered.
Ferrari have rarely had both cars in a competitive position this season at the same Grand Prix, with one driver usually suffering from some sort of issue.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
Last weekend was no different, as Sainz secured second on the grid for his home race, whereas Leclerc was eliminated in Q1.
Leclerc claimed 19th but ultimately started from the pits after Ferrari changed the entire rear of his car.
Something was clearly wrong with the 25-year-old’s SF-23; however, the Italians had no idea what.
He went on to struggle during the race as well, where he could only salvage 11th.
Sainz on the other hand, managed to claim fifth, at least adding some good points to the team’s tally.
Only having one car in the points has been a theme for Ferrari all year, resulting in them being comfortably fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Red Bull, Mercedes, and usually Aston Martin tend to have both drivers in the top 10, whereas Ferrari are lucky to have one.
Until they solve their issues, it’s difficult to see where Ferrari’s success will come from this year, with Hill being very critical of the Italians early season woes.
“It’s a funny season in a way because we have seen quite a lot of disparity between apparent form on one circuit and the same form, or expectations, on another circuit,” Hill said on the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
READ: Ex-F1 champion praises Lewis Hamilton for pressuring Mercedes
“Everyone is scratching their heads apart from Red Bull, who are delivering on every track.
“We can’t say we can look at Barcelona and say that is now the formbook for the rest of the season because Canada is a different track, so is Silverstone. There will still be variety through the field.
“Then what can you say about Ferrari? When one is up, the other is down. It’s like they are running with one leg all the time. So going forward, you have got the development curve and cost-cap restrictions to think about.”