Well, if second place is the first of the losers, where does that leave Scuderia Ferrari right now? Rewind to last year, when Ferrari’s chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna set the stage, declaring, “I am not satisfied with second place because second is first of the losers.” The words were brave, filled with a fire that promised great things for Ferrari in 2023. But fast-forward to the present, and the optimism has sputtered like an engine out of fuel. The roar of the Ferrari engine may have dimmed, but the expectations, well, they’re sky high, especially after Charles Leclerc‘s statement on realistic targets.
In an era defined by Red Bull‘s dominance, Leclerc’s honest appraisal resonates with many. The Monegasque driver’s candid statement, “A realistic target should be to finish 2nd in the Constructors, which is going to be a challenge. McLaren is back in the fight, Mercedes is always strong. I have no doubt that Aston Martin will come back. So, this is our target.” Puts into words the stark reality facing Ferrari. It’s not merely a question of if they can win, but how they can claw back and claim their rightful place. As they gear up for the Amsterdam Grand Prix and the crucial Italian GP at Monza, the challenge isn’t just about speed; its about soul-searching.
🎙️| Charles Leclerc on Ferrari’s target:
“A realistic target should be to finish 2nd in the Constructors, which is going to be a challenge.”
“McLaren is back in the fight, Mercedes is always strong. I have no doubt that Aston Martin will come back. So, this is our target.”
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) August 22, 2023
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Against the backdrop of Ferrari’s previous year’s success, where they secured a commendable second place, the current season has been filled with highs and lows. Their best finish was Charles Leclerc’s P2 in Austria, but they find themselves in a stiff battle for P2 as they are currently 4th in the Constructor’s Championship, a far cry from last year’s hopes. Though there have been moments of brilliance like Leclerc’s pole position in Baku, the team’s overall performance has been a mixed bag. Leclerc and Carlos Sainz‘s head-to-head statistics highlight the competition within the team, but their combined efforts have not yet fulfilled the dreams of the Tifosi.
The roaring voices of the Tifosi
They say you can take the fans out of the race, but you can’t take the race out of the fans. With a legacy that spans decades, the Prancing Horse’s fanbase is not one to keep mum. They’ve grown with the team, suffered defeats, and celebrated victories. And they aren’t letting off the gas pedal. Suggestions and strategies are flooding in, with hearts set on not just surviving but thriving in the race.
A win at Monza will help with that
— I forgot (@las19221) August 22, 2023
Read more: 22 Years of Experience Led to Fernando Alonso’s Tactical Avoidance of “Ferrari Time” Horrors
Going to be tough when Merc and particularly Lewis are performing so well, unless McLaren can also consistently pull points away. But if there are still upgrades on the way and that gets ferrari back to a solid 2nd it could happen.
— NandoSZN (@QuintonWorden) August 23, 2023
Hopefully there is enough improvement to finish 2nd.
Then the World Championship next season.
Forza FERRARI pic.twitter.com/SEitVDMN0j
— Built different (@Punchmademoney) August 22, 2023
Would help if both drivers were podium race pace but there’s only one
— Ciro🔺 (@488Ciro) August 22, 2023
These voices represent the heart and soul of a community tied together by a common passion–a love for Ferrari that’s unshaken by the storm.
This is more acceptable than admitting that the car is meant for P4 or P5 only.
— MARVIN of Mars (@MARVINofMARS) August 22, 2023
Third of fourth is realistic https://t.co/rZNmaPXZpO
— Mylo Xyloto (@speed_n_power) August 22, 2023
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Oh boy let's see I will be happy with P3 in constructors let's see
— Rish| F1 Fan (@f1fans28) August 23, 2023
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So, what do you think? Will Ferrari listen? Will Ferrari bounce back and surprise the loyal Tifosi?
WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Leclerc’s Resurgence Postponed as Frederic Vasseur Still Stands Engulfed in the Trial and Error Ways of Bouncing Back