The 2022 season can be looked at as a glass half full or half empty for Ferrari, such is the relativity of success and failure in Formula 1.
On the bright side, the Scuderia went from a potential podium challenge in 2021 to a team capable of consistently winning races the year later, however it has been suggested that the team unachieved under the new regulations.
Ferrari boasted the fastest car at the start of the season and took a strong lead in both championships, spearheaded by Charles Leclerc’s victories, however a series of tactical blunders from the team saw Red Bull streak clear and claim both titles.
Strategy errors and reliability issues saw the team struggle to hang on to second place despite looking like early title favourites and after the pressure ramped up for Ferrari to sack team principal Mattia Binotto, the Swiss took the difficult decision to resign.
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Former F1 driver Christijan Albers has slammed the Scuderia for allowing their boss to leave, hinting that the problems at Ferrari are much deeper rooted than just their leader.
“I find it incomprehensible that Ferrari has parted ways with Binotto,” Albers told De Telegraaf.
“Okay, officially he quit himself, but everyone knows how it works. I feel that a scapegoat was sought and someone’s head had to be taken off. Then you quickly end up with the team boss.
“Still, Binotto has been instrumental in making Ferrari competitive again. Everyone forgets how bad that team was roughly a year ago.”
After reportedly targeting Christian Horner to replace Binotto, Ferrari eventually appointed Alfa Romeo team principal Fred Vasseur as their new boss, having initially favoured a more high-profile signing.
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The Frenchman’s signing has been met with a lot of positivity from Ferrari fans, who believe that Vasseur can take them one step further in 2023 and end the team’s title drought.
Despite the Frenchman’s impressive CV, Albers has warned fans that Vasseur may not be as good as he seems, reminding them of a story from his days with Sauber.
“Many people wax lyrical about him, but it is conveniently forgotten than on his first day at Sauber he single-handedly botched the impending deal with engine supplier Honda. And we all know how much success they have had with Red bull in recent years,” he said.
The team will be hoping that they can take advantage of Red Bull’s reduction in testing time this year, as 2023 may present the best opportunity yet for the team to topple the energy drink giants.