Much more was expected for Ferrari, but the Monaco grand prix marked a race that exposed the lack of consistency at Ferrari. The SF-23 proved awkward to drive in both high fuel and wet conditions.
The load generated in lower speed conditions is insufficient to put the drivers in a position to attack a track like Monte Carlo, where confidence really is everything. Technically, next weekend will be crucial for determining the curve of the season.
Meanwhile, the Mekies issue seems to have been resolved in the Principality.
Ferrari’s plan is already ready to replace Laurent Mekies. The French manager’s adventure alongside Fred Vasseur – formerly Binotto’s deputy – is coming to an end.
The Maranello team held out after the one-way press release, officially considered a bit aggressive (actually judged to be very pushy) by Alpha Tauri, the Red Bull sister team.
John Elkann popped up for a day of meetings on Friday, which was obviously no accident. A meeting was arranged between him, Vasseur and Horner to settle the Mekies issue.
We know that the story is closely linked to technicians being freed and that they have already agreed to move to Maranello. This pre-emotive press release was likely used to make Mekies’ assignment public and apply pressure.
However, it does not seem to have succeeded. Generally, the person who goes to the Hospitality of others does not have a position of strength.
If, as it seems, an agreement in principle has been found, we are heading towards 6 months of gardening for both sides on the chessboard.
This would mean that Mekies would be available until the end of June. However, we cannot rule out not seeing him on the wall as early as Barcelona. The new figure has been designated, and the plan is ready together with the updates, defined as very visible, among which, however, Vasseur himself has excluded a new front suspension.
We will know the updates in detail in a few days in Montmeló, where the teams will return to what is technically a reference track for the teams, especially after the return of the old third sector – featuring two high-speed corners where real progress can be measured.
Author: Giuliano Duchess
Translation: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
