SF-25 again on the rostrum with Leclerc
It’s nearly arduous to imagine: Ferrari has been a number one drive in two consecutive Grands Prix — first in Austin after which in Mexico. These are circuits that take a look at each drivers and automobiles to the restrict, but the beloved “Prancing Horse” managed to climb onto the rostrum with relative ease. Third place in the USA, second in Mexico, each because of Charles Leclerc’s robust performances.
Nonetheless, one thing uncommon occurred on Sunday — one thing stunning. For the primary time this season, it felt as if Ferrari was racing with two drivers as an alternative of 1. Leclerc delivered one other glorious outcome, however on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, followers lastly caught a glimpse of the true Lewis Hamilton — the champion who was anticipated to remodel Ferrari’s fortunes however had to this point been entangled in Maranello’s outdated points.
Maybe it’s as a result of optimistic modifications Hamilton has discovered within the SF-25 for the reason that begin of autumn, or maybe Ferrari is lastly studying find out how to make the Pirelli tyres work within the ultimate efficiency window. Regardless of the cause, Hamilton seemed sharper than ever this weekend — each in qualifying and within the race. His elbows-out begin was one thing followers hadn’t seen from him shortly, despite the fact that he later obtained a 10-second penalty for a minor mistake that somebody of his expertise might have simply averted. Likewise, he might have completed with out asking Leclerc through staff radio to offer again a place he believed was rightfully his — although on what grounds stays unclear.
Regardless of ending solely eighth, Hamilton confirmed indicators of the dedication, velocity, and character that outlined his biggest years. The outcome didn’t do justice to his efficiency; underneath regular circumstances, he might need even been in competition for a podium end. For Ferrari, that alone was a optimistic sign — proof that each side are starting to attach on observe.
Leclerc stays Ferrari’s main gentle
Charles Leclerc continues to be the guiding gentle for Ferrari, able to trying the not possible in qualifying and sustaining a race tempo matched solely by Lando Norris. In back-to-back Grands Prix, the Monegasque has proven his greatest kind but. With a barely sooner automotive, he may effectively have claimed victory. It’s unlucky that, regardless of seven podium finishes to this point, a win nonetheless eludes him. But, with 4 races remaining, there are nonetheless a number of promising alternatives to show that round — and Ferrari might very effectively spoil somebody’s title ambitions alongside the best way.
The struggle for the championship tightens
At this stage, with three drivers separated by simply 36 factors, the query stays: who’s the favorite? The Mexican Grand Prix revealed two key issues — McLaren nonetheless has the strongest automotive, and Lando Norris is nearly untouchable when he begins from the entrance. Nonetheless, in shut fight, Norris may be weak, and from Brazil onward, in simply two weeks’ time, he could face rising stress from his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Now that Piastri is not burdened by the accountability of main the championship, he can race with a lighter mindset — and that makes him harmful. A assured Piastri is able to upsetting the order and will very effectively reignite McLaren’s inner rivalry because the season nears its finale.
Verstappen stays the final word risk
The looming risk for each McLaren drivers — and for everybody else — stays Max Verstappen. The Dutchman continues to be the quickest and most tactically inventive driver on the grid, as he proved as soon as once more in Mexico, the place he managed to make the struggling Purple Bull look aggressive. Verstappen’s dedication and race intelligence proceed to set him aside, making him the motive force everybody fears when the lights exit.
He has the power to overturn any prediction and to problem technical hierarchies, reminding everybody that the human issue nonetheless issues in Formulation 1. It’s the form of spirit that Enzo Ferrari himself would have admired — and one which undoubtedly resonates with those that now lead the Prancing Horse.
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
