Ferrari 'Disappointed' with No Monza Podium, Yet Tifosi Shouldn't Be

Ferrari's home Grand Prix at Monza ended without a podium, leaving the Tifosi disappointed despite a solid performance by Charles Leclerc and a strong recovery drive by Lewis Hamilton. Max Verstappen and McLaren drivers claimed the top spots.

Why it matters:

While a podium eluded the Scuderia at their spiritual home, the team showed improved pace relative to competitors like Mercedes and McLaren, highlighting progress in their car's performance on a low-downforce circuit.

The details:

• Leclerc's Race: Charles Leclerc finished fourth, four seconds shy of Oscar Piastri's third place. He initially gained a position but struggled with tyre overheating early on.
  • Team Principal Frederic Vasseur noted that Leclerc's pace was exactly where Ferrari expected it to be, behind Verstappen and McLaren, on pure pace.
  • Leclerc himself had predicted a difficult podium challenge before the race, acknowledging Red Bull and McLaren's inherent speed.
• Hamilton's Performance: Lewis Hamilton, starting P10 due to a grid penalty, impressed with a strong climb through the field to P5.
  • Vasseur highlighted Hamilton's improved pace and mood, describing his performance as a positive trend continuing from Zandvoort.
  • Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his car's feel and his ability to battle effectively.
• Strategic Overview: The race was a clear one-stopper, limiting strategic opportunities. Ferrari's gap to McLaren was the smallest of the season, indicating a closer performance window.

The big picture:

Max Verstappen's dominant performance, especially with a lower downforce setup, was a key factor in the race outcome. Ferrari's inability to challenge the Red Bull ace or the McLarens in race trim, despite qualifying strength, underscores the work still needed.

What's next:

Ferrari aims to build on the positive pace observed, particularly in relation to their direct midfield rivals. The focus remains on optimizing controllable elements to convert solid performances into desired podiums.