“Fans are Suffering as Much as We are”- Ferrari Boss Announces Sad News for the Team’s Hopes in F1

Following a difficult start to the season, John Elkann opened up on the team’s struggles. The Ferrari Chairman sympathized with fans for the Scuderia’s poor results but, more importantly, hinted at a long road to recovery.

Elkann referenced Ferrari’s previous title drought enduring for nearly two decades from the 70s to the 90s. The American implied that Ferrari’s earliest chances of victory or even an improvement in form could only come by 2022.

With the homologation rules in effect, Ferrari is ‘stuck’ with a sub-par engine until the newer regulations kick in. As a result, the Italian team must endure at least two mediocre seasons in Formula 1.

In Conversation with Gazetta Dello Sport, Elkann opened up about the same. “This year we are not competitive even due to machine setting errors. We have had a number of structural weaknesses that have long existed in aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics. 

“We have also lost in engine power,” said Elkann, as quoted by Motorsport.com.

 “The reality is that our car is not competitive. You saw it on the track and you will see it again. Today we are laying the foundations for being competitive and returning to winning when the rules change in 2022. I am convinced of it. “

Elkann called for fans to remain patient amid the team’s ongoing struggles.

“The fans are suffering as much as we are, but we know they are close to us. This is why it is important to be clear and honest with them. A long path awaits us. 

“When Todt opened that historic cycle in 2000, we came from a fast that had lasted for over twenty years, from 1979 … It took time, from the landing in Maranello in 1993 to Ferrari’s return to success.

“The important thing then is to work on the track and off the track, in a cohesive way, building the Ferrari we want step by step.”

The SF1000 is one of Ferrari’s worst F1 cars since the introduction of the turbo-hybrid era. The team currently sits fifth in the Constructors’ standings with little to no hope of clinching another podium, let alone victories.

If Elkann’s words reflect Ferrari’s true predicament, fans are in for a long, long wait before Maranello puts up a Ferrari flag, in honor of a victory.

SOURCE- Motorsport.com