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On a lighter note, we had a very happy Dane on the podium as well. And he is still smiling. His 3rd place turned into a 2nd place after Daniel’s penalty. That means that Kevin Magnussen’s first F1 race is one of the most successful debut races ever for a rookie in Formula 1. Not bad. Not bad at all. It will be hard to equal that in every race. But I hope he shines throughout the season. A very likeable, down-to-earth guy. Just like his dad is.
THE GLOOMY TRUTH
To be honest, I cannot remember the last time I have seen Kimi struggle with a car as much as he did this weekend. The back was stepping out. He had understeer. And maybe the worst was him locking up the brakes every other corner. I have never seen him lock up so much. Ever. If that was not enough, both Ferraris had electrical problems – especially Kimi’s car. Oh wait, I forgot. The steering is also still crap. Not giving him the feedback he needs.
Pat Fry: “On both the F14Ts, we had some electrical problems, especially on Kimi’s car, which meant he couldn’t use all the car’s potential.” So Kimi’s car was down on power as well. Putting all that together, it’s amazing that he finished the race. Even more so in the points. But almost half the field retired – so that obviously helps.
And don’t expect Kimi’s problems to have disappeared in Malaysia. If we are lucky, Bahrain will be better. This gives a good insight into Kimi’s serious issues that have to be dealt with on the car. New parts have to be made and fitted and then again adjusted. If they work and improve the car, that is. There is something worrying under the surface here. And I will post a piece later this week that takes a closer look at that.
What am I saying? The Ferrari is simply not a good car. It is down on power and downforce compared to the front runners. And it’s not pleasant to drive. Not at the moment anyway. The Ferrari engine is down on power to the Mercedes. They are down on downforce to the Merc and the Red Bull. The Williams and McLaren seem to be on par or thereabouts on downforce but are ahead on engine. And those cars are simply more sorted at this point. Machinery-wise, the F14T is the fourth best car. And that is with a glass half full perspective. When Red Bull get their power unit problems fixed, Ferrari will be the fifth best car. Unless they improve.
Is it all doom and gloom? No, but it’s bad. They have the most experienced and arguably best drivers in the cars, who will make up for some of the shortcomings. But enough to challenge Mercedes? Or Red Bull when they get everything in working order? A fired-up McLaren team with Ron Dennis back in charge? I just don’t see it happening. They can develop and try to catch up, sure. But Mercedes and Red Bull are not exactly teams that are short on cash or know-how. Neither is McLaren. Ferrari will have to strike gold both on aero and power plant tune-up (within the regulations) to be able to fight for wins. That is my assessment. I wouldn’t mind being proven wrong.
It could be worse though. Kimi could have been in a Lotus this year. That being said, put your money on Rosberg or Hamilton this year. Now wasn’t that a fun review?
