The greed for money drives the new managing director Stefano Domenicali, still driven by the US owners Liberty Media, on the hunt for millions. The son of a banker, born in Imola on May 11, 1965, even wants to get rid of sacred GP cows.
“Many countries are queuing”
The former Ferrari team boss plans to return to South Africa after 20 years (which already earned him the applause of Hamilton). They also want to continue to fulfill the contract with China soon – and in the USA, after Austin, Miami and Las Vegas in 2023 are already on the agenda for May 8th.
“Other interested parties are queuing up,” says Domenicali – and doesn’t give Europe any great hopes. Germany has already been buried, now the classics Monaco (where the traditional Thursday has already been canceled) and Spa as well as Le Castellet are to jump over the blade first.
“It doesn’t matter where it’s broadcast!”
Sure, in Europe no big money has been paid for the GP show for years (it is probably least in Monte Carlo). But now the dollar must roll. No matter where, the dictators can rub hands all over the world.
And what do those responsible at the F1 control desk say? “The TV fans don’t care where the races are shown. The main thing is that they are exciting!» What arrogance.
Because that’s where you’re wrong. Most fans look forward to the European races because they can easily travel there. But who flies to Japan, South Africa, Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia?
Ferrari had to wait a long time
World Championship leader Leclerc must therefore try to win his race on May 29 of this year for the first time. And the Monegasse is in top form ahead of Ferrari’s home race this week at the sold-out Imola.
In Melbourne he clinched the first Grand Slam of his career: Pole, fastest race lap, victory and all laps in the lead. He is the 26th pilot to do so. The last Ferrari driver was Alonso in Singapore in 2010. Record holder is Jim Clark (8).
Who can stop Leclerc?
So far, Leclerc has collected all three bonus points for the fastest race lap. In 2020 and 2021 the Reds didn’t have a single fastest lap!
Leclerc won in Australia by 20.5 seconds ahead of Pérez (Red Bull Honda). The last Ferrari star with a larger lead was Michael Schumacher in Spain in 2002 – 35.6 seconds ahead of Montoya (Williams-BMW).
The last Ferrari driver on pole in Melbourne was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. He became world champion. Since then, they have been waiting for the driver’s title in Maranello.