What the hell is wrong with Ferrari?

May 11, 2009 Formula One

The recently concluded Spanish Grand Prix was probably one that left millions of Ferrari fans stupefied. Not because the team again struggled for points as they’ve done this entire season so far, but for the amateurish manner in which their entire race was managed.

A goof up in the fuel calculations meant Massa literally struggled to finish the race. It was pathetic to see him having to yield positions to other drivers like Vettel, and then incredibly, even Alonso, who was almost 13-15 seconds behind. One can imagine the frustration Massa must have felt when his race engineer said over the team radio, “Let him pass, Felipe, let him pass”. From a potential 4th place finish, Massa had to be content with 6th, only the second time Ferrari got into the points this year.

Last year, a horrible screw-up in the pit lane ruined Massa’s race in Singapore, when the fuel hose was unhinged and got stuck to Massa’s car like an anaconda. This, when Massa was in the running for the championship.

For a Ferrari fan like me, all this is sheer stupidity and I recall marvelling at the amazing pit stop strategy during the time Michael Schumacher was driving for them, with Ross Brawn and Jean Todt managing things. They had a fantastic team and I can remember the excitement each time Schumi came out of the pits as well as the sheer delight when he managed to get the jump on his rivals.

Brawn of course, now has a team of his own, and Todt has also left Ferrari. All the expertise and implementation of strategy is only too obvious with the trail blazing way Brawn’s team has performed this season. Schumacher of course is still visible in the Ferrari pits but his exact role or the extent to which he has a say doesn’t seem to be quite clear.

What does this mean for Ferrari? Is this the end of the road for them? Early days, but they certainly have to get their act together if they are to remain a competitive force in Formula One.