The Italian press is heading into the winter break concerned about Ferrari's late-season performance. Mercedes finished its 2017 campaign with both the drivers' and constructors' titles and a one-two in Abu Dhabi. "It was a sad and pale finale for Ferrari," said La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Questions hang in the air. Is Vettel-Raikkonen able to beat Hamilton-Bottas? What caused the psychological collapse of Vettel and the wavering achievements of Raikkonen? Does Ferrari need a mental coach or the complaints of Arrivabene and Marchionne? From the outside one has the impression that at Ferrari there is a constant, exaggerated and pointless tension," the sports daily concluded.
Corriere dello Sport said that as the fireworks exploded in Abu Dhabi, "the alarm bells sounded in Maranello". Well-known Italian F1 insider Leo Turrini wrote: "Napoleon claimed he could change the world in 100 days but he failed. Now Arrivabene and Binotto have just over 11 days to prepare for 2018." (GMM)
The car was more than capable. Vettel is capable but also his own worst enemy. The weakest link here is Raikkonen. He is such a mediocre driver these days. They will never win a constructor's championship again until they get strong second driver. Ferrari is used to this, they like having a weak driver, but this is not 2002. They don't have the fastest car by far, so they need both drivers fighting for victories. But I don't see it happening, and I expect them to struggle next year fighting it out with Red Bull and hopefully Mclaren
Agreed. I honestly think Vettel was the difference here, but it would be far nicer of Ferrari to let Kimi go. I can think of several drivers, Perez and Hulk to mention just two, which would perform alot better. I like Kimi, but he is holding them up.
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Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
The car was more than capable. Vettel is capable but also his own worst enemy. The weakest link here is Raikkonen. He is such a mediocre driver these days. They will never win a constructor's championship again until they get strong second driver. Ferrari is used to this, they like having a weak driver, but this is not 2002. They don't have the fastest car by far, so they need both drivers fighting for victories. But I don't see it happening, and I expect them to struggle next year fighting it out with Red Bull and hopefully Mclaren
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Agreed. I honestly think Vettel was the difference here, but it would be far nicer of Ferrari to let Kimi go. I can think of several drivers, Perez and Hulk to mention just two, which would perform alot better. I like Kimi, but he is holding them up.