Considering how disappointing 2022 has turned out for Ferrari, following endless strategic errors and reliability problems, victory at the Italian Grand Prix would’ve seen all of it forgotten about by the Tifosi.
After claiming pole position with one of the greatest laps of the season, former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi truly “believed” Charles Leclerc “could win” the Italian GP.
In the end, it wasn’t to be for the Tifosi, after Leclerc finished in second place following another dominant display by championship leader Max Verstappen.
Ferrari’s strategy again confused many, after the Scuderia opted for a two-stop strategy, against Verstappen’s superior one-stop.
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Ferrari have been their own worst enemy this season, having had the pace and performance to challenge Red Bull for both titles.
Alas, a number of power unit failures and a seemingly endless number of comical strategic blunders has seen the Italian’s be dragged into a fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship, with the underperforming Mercedes.
Alesi believes a more “aggressive approach” needs to be taken by Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, whom he “admires”.
“Honestly, I believed it,” Alesi said to Corriere Della Sera.
“I thought Leclerc could win at Monza after that crazy lap in qualifying. This was not the case and I have some friendly and affectionate thoughts to pass on to Mattia Binotto. I admire his virtue, as a true leader, he protects his team.
“It’s the right attitude, always. For example, no one knows the name of the designer who chose the wrong path in Mercedes, just as anyone who makes a mistake under pressure during a race must be protected.
“As a Tifosi I am also convinced that Binotto can look for some reinforcement for the future without fanfare.
“On the strategy front, where perhaps a more aggressive approach would be useful; on the front of the rapid understanding of the set-up, which Red Bull seems to be doing with a greater state of readiness.
“I’m not talking about revolutions but about consolidation on some decisive aspects to counter first-rate adversaries. On the other hand, I am sure that this year’s reliability problems will be solved and that Ferrari will be able to race with a solid as well as a very powerful power unit.
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“There is everything to keep improving. Only a few tweaks are missing, in the name of continuity.”
With six races remaining, Ferrari have slipped to 139 points behind Red Bull, with the Scuderia just 35 points ahead of the Silver Arrows.
It would come as no surprise if either Carlos Sainz or Leclerc are forced into taking at least one more hefty grid penalty, due to the frailness of their power unit.