Aug.1 (GMM) Toto Wolff has admitted surprise at Ferrari’s decision to essentially write off both the 2020 and 2021 seasons in order to focus on the new rules for 2022.
With Carlos Sainz en route to the team next year, and Charles Leclerc under contract until the end of 2024, others are also wondering about the wisdom of the comments made this week by Ferrari chairman John Elkann.
One of them might be Gunther Steiner, boss of the Ferrari-powered Haas team that buys many parts from the fabled Maranello marque.
“I’m aware of the situation we are in, and I see what they are doing and the situation they are in, so I was not very surprised by the statement from Mr Elkann,” Steiner said.
“For sure it’s never nice to be told it will be difficult, but if you admit that it will be difficult you work hard to make it better going forward.”
Sainz, currently at McLaren, also said Elkann’s comments were simply “common sense”.
And Leclerc is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am not frustrated by that. We must be honest.
“We know we have to work hard and I don’t think it’s right in this moment to point the finger somewhere specific. It’s a difficult period but we are motivated to get back to the level we want,” he said.
As for Wolff, boss of the dominant Mercedes team, he said at Silverstone when asked about Elkann: “I saw those comments but it’s hard for me to judge.
“Is it really possible to dismiss two seasons at once in order to prepare for 2022?
“We are only allowed to start developing the new car in January next year, which means that even if you write off this season, it will not give you any advantage.
“But I don’t think it’s my business to comment on the plans of Ferrari,” Wolff added.
October 25, 2020 C.O.T.A.
Guests of Grand Prix Tours will be treated to a complete and thorough race weekend that includes an invitation to our private F1 Celebrity Hosted Talk Show. During the event guests will receive insider information regarding all things Formula 1 and firsthand perspective into team preparations leading up to the race. Follow the link above to learn more about our trip to the United States Grand Prix.
September 20, 2020 Marina Bay
Join Grand Prix Tours as we head to Singapore and the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the only true night race on the Formula 1 calendar. One of only 4 street circuits on the F1 calendar the beauty of the modern Formula 1 cars are on full display under the bright lights of the Marina Bay street circuit. Follow the link above to learn more about our trip to the Singapore Grand Prix.
November 1, 2020 Mexico City
The Mexican Grand Prix is always a great test for Formula 1 drivers and teams alike. With extreme heat and the high elevation drivers have to be physically prepared and mechanics have to be mentally ready for anything. The atmosphere created by the fans at the Mexican Grand Prix rivals that of races like Japan and Italy. The passion and pride for local drivers is nearly unmatched.