Italian press not yet satisfied: 'Reliability needed to convince'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
The Italian media have often been critical of Ferrari in recent weeks after multiple strategic blunders and reliability issues. After Charles Leclerc's victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, the Italians believe in the title victory again, although the reliability of the Ferrari remains a problem.
Corriere della Sera
According to Corriere della Sera Leclerc refused to lose to Verstappen this time. The Italian newspaper gives the Ferrari driver a score of eleven because of his three overtakes on the Dutchman. The Ferrari may have had the advantage in terms of speed, but it remains crucial to transfer that potential on the track and in the race, according to the newspaper.
"The door to the world championship, with 38 points to make up, may not be completely open yet, but the door is ajar and the light is shining through it," it is written. For Carlos Sainz, the newspaper says, it is probably too late to aim for the title. The Spaniard did what he had to do during the race, but lost second place after his engine exploded. "With 75 points behind towards the top and 37 points towards second, maybe. Also because Leclerc should be Ferrari's first attack card at this point."
La Stampa
According to La Stampa the title race has been 'renewed' after Leclerc's victory. However, it was not a perfect day due to Sainz's retirement. "It could have been a glorious day for de Rossa at the rivals' home circuit, but the Spaniard was forced to retire in the race just as he was about to take second place," he said. Charles Leclerc triumphs for Max Verstappen, the usual challenge renewed.
Sky Italia
Also Sky Italia joins the story of reliability. If Ferrari are to convince, the problem will have to be solved quickly. "But this result weighs heavily. It's a pity for Sainz. Now you need reliability to convince. Halfway through the season, the immediate protagonists are all convinced of one thing: that this world championship will continue until the end and that it will be the details that will make the difference."
La Gazzetta dello Sport
"The 38-point deficit to Verstappen is an easily climbed mountain for the Ferrari, which is more powerful, more stable, faster and kinder to tyres than the Red Bull. Ferrari has never stopped believing in the title, even on the blackest days like Baku. The aim is to reduce, if not eliminate, the gap to the world champion before the summer break," reads La Gazzetta dello Sport. Ferrari has two races left to catch up before the summer break, at the French Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix.