Louis Camilleri, Ferrari Formula 1 team CEO, concedes that the team is trapped in a hole at the moment. It will be tough to find a turn around its performance before 2022.
Scuderia F1 outfit has been struggling this season. The team currently stands at sixth position on constructor championship. It also struggled with its performance on its home ground.
At Tuscan Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc struggled to maintain its starting position. He was only able to finish 8th because ex Ferrari driver, Kimi Raikkonen was penalized with 5 second penalty. Sebastian Vettal finished 10th on grid.
The Italian outfit’s senior hierarchy made an appearance at the 1000th grand prix. John Elkann, Chairman, made appearance with CEO, Camilleri.
Camilleri reflected on the difficulties the team has been facing during the season. But he insisted that he is ready to face the troubles with the team.
“Listen, we’re in a hole now, and we know we’re in a hole,” he said. “It’s a confluence of factors, but anything I say will come across as excuses. And we’re not into excuses.
“So what matters is to focus on the issues we have and to work hard with determination to get back to what we consider to be our rightful place.”
The regulations have been frozen due to current pandemic. The rules, related to engine and chassis, are limiting the Ferrari’s ability to find a remedy next year.
The team is hopeful that current development work on engine will help the team in reducing the inefficiencies. The team has to wait for 2022 to regain its lost reputation.
Camilleri commented on a question whether there is any hope left before 2022 for the team. He said, “I mean realistically it’s going to be tough.
“In Formula 1 we’re always fighting time, both on the track and in development, and there’s no magic bullet. So we’ll take time. I’m hoping with a bit more flexibility in the regs next year we can at least step it up from where we are.
“Mercedes, hats off to them, they’ve done an incredible job and we’ll see in 2022 with the new regs, whether it creates a reset. That’s our hope.”
The CEO despite struggles see a bright future for the team.
“Listen, I think Ferrari and Formula 1 are sort of joined at the hip,” he said. “How to imagine Formula 1 without Ferrari? Or the other way around?
“We’ve been there forever and we’re the only team. Others come and go. And yes, history creates pressure too. So we’re looking forward to the next thousand.”
