Tensions Build in Ferrari F1 Garage as British GP Events Split the Prancing Horses Into Two Camps

Ferrari finally stood on the top step of the podium after 6 races at the British GP. Prior to this, the team won round 3 of the 2022 championship in Melbourne. However, it was a bittersweet outing for the Italian constructor in Silverstone.

On one side of the garage, Carlos Sainz clinched his maiden F1 victory. The Spaniard, elated with the win, was flying high after the chequered flag dropped. On the other side, Charles Leclerc was in the agony of missing out on a potential first place.

The opposite spectrum of emotions on either side of the garage split the Ferrari crew. The mechanics and engineers working on car number 55 had a bounce in their step. Yet, it frustrated the crew responsible for car number 16 about not even finishing on the podium.

Carlos Sainz started the British GP in pole position. Nevertheless, he got overtaken by Max Verstappen for the lead of the race. The Red Bull driver sustained damage, which put him out of contention for the win. This set up a battle between the Ferrari duo.

The Monegasque was arguably the faster car among the two Ferrari cars on track. He found himself in the lead of the race prior to a late safety car caused by Alpine of Esteban Ocon. The aftermath of the safety car is where Leclerc lost out to Sainz as he could not box for fresh rubber.

The Ferrari pit wall instructed the Spanish driver to assist his teammate by giving him ten car lengths ahead of the restart. However, the pole-sitter had his first win in his sights and made the most of his opportunity.

Even though Sainz brought home the desired result, it has created high tensions in the Ferrari camp. Reportedly, a part of the Ferrari staff (probably from Leclerc’s side of the garage) refused, at least initially, to attend the podium ceremony and the usual photos. (Translated using Google)

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F1 is a cut-throat competition where rivalries are second nature. However, the goal of all individuals working for the most historic team should be to take the team back to the top of the table, rather than a particular driver.

Ferrari Face the Red Bull and Mercedes Threat

Scuderia Ferrari has a legacy greater than any other constructor on the grid. The team has been taking part in the pinnacle of motorsport since the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix. The reds take pride in their heritage and arguably have the largest fanbase in the world.

The team based out of Maranello has been off the pace for a few years prior to 2022. The present season was a crucial one for them to find their feet. In mid-season last year, the team focused their development on the 2022 modern-era F1 car. The decision has paid dividends for them.

The red team of the paddock began the season with arguably the benchmark car. They grabbed two victories from the first three races of the season. Nonetheless, in the following races, the team has not performed up to its standard.

In some races, the thorn in the side of the Ferrari has been its reliability. In others, it has been either a driver’s error or a poor race strategy. A team competing for the world title can not afford to drop points when their rivals, Red Bull, have been consistent with strong results.

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Another obstacle for Ferrari is the 8-time constructor winners. Mercedes has always been there to pick up the scraps when a Ferrari has underperformed. This has put them right on the tail of the Italians, which now need to be aware of the threats both ahead and behind them.