FORMULA 1 : THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH FERRARI !

If we accept what is being suggested by the commentators a happier, more focused Ferrari will hit the grid this year, ready to wage war against their nemesis Mercedes AMG Petronas. Binotto, it is said, has introduced, obviously, a different approach, one which has enhanced the capability of the team which has led to an atmosphere of confidence floating through the garage.

In testing thus far, Ferrari appears to have the advantage. We are fully aware of the smoke and mirrors which dominate testing. You are never certain of what is real and what is staged. Lap times, however, provide useful insight – the machine maintains a rapid pace and it is surefooted. Exactly what you want from pre-season test sessions. Ferrari has even improved, significantly, their relationship and communication with the press, initiating dialogue. Evidence of a new-style Ferrari.

We have seen some of this before though. Ferrari has had a machine worthy of displacing Mercedes’ dominance. What Ferrari lacked, especially in 2018, was the formula, pun intended, to strike consistently and claim victory. Ever so often, managerial glitches or a Vettel melt-down successfully ensured that defeat appeared at Ferrari’s front door.

Vettel, it is said, appears far more relaxed. The team members are said to be in a good place mentally and the machine, despite cooling hiccups and a Vettel mishap, is a rocket-ship. Again, Spa 2018 confirmed that a rocket-ship was always available.

A lot will have to change at Ferrari if they intend to, finally, defeat Mercedes AMG. They can display all the swagger that confidence conceives, but, when the red lights embrace Houdini and reality races to the fore, in order to arrive at their goal, Ferrari must retain the concrete resolve and the cognitive fortitude required to suppress and eradicate the diminutive threat – Lewis Hamilton.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer