F1 | Ferrari, because third place in Constructors is important

I want to find meaning in this story, even if this story doesn't have a meaning, and yet this season is a bit like this, interlocutory in its sad normality, in those good but not exciting placings, in the few podiums and in the absence of victories (since it hurts), could have its own precise meaning.

Ferrari approaches the last six races of 2021 with a moderately optimistic approach, with the Maranello environment confident of being able to close the gap in the standings with McLaren and take third place in the Constructors' standings, which then after the turnaround Binottiano of Türkiye has once again become the main and declared objective of the season. But why the challenge to Macca has it returned to assume such a primary role for a team truly focused on 2022?

The feeling is that there are two sets of reasons that push Ferrari to be voraciously hungry for a "Champions zone" placing which in reality adds nothing to its history and nothing changes in the present and in the future. The first reason is that the Cavallino feels the need to win a match, set itself a goal, beat an opponent, especially an opponent who, according to most, is more prepared, stronger, brilliant. And victorious, given that the blow from Monza still hurts.

The second reason is that the fourth power unit, the new power unit, has given positive feedback, with the new hybrid system appearing to be really effective. Maranello's new engine, which partly anticipates solutions from the completely new one for 2022, has given a boost of confidence and self-esteem to a team that cultivates the ambition of returning to the top but is still unable to "quail".

And if Mercedes and Red Bull remain at another level, the easiest prey to bite, the closest yardstick is that McLaren powered by Mercedes, which is very fast on the straight. And the next GPs are full of very selective straights. Getting the better of Woking would be proof of a big step forward, especially from the point of view of the power unit, which is the feedback that Ferrari seeks most insistently.

Beating a McLaren in the championship that started as the underdogs in this challenge for the lowest step of the podium in the manufacturers' standings would mean finding confidence and being fully aware of your improvements. Ferrari needs to feel strong again to truly be strong again.

Antonino Rendina

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