Ex-Ferrari F1 Driver Explains Why They’ve Struggled Since Michael Schumacher Left

Ferrari is one of the most iconic teams on the Formula One grid. Drivers such as Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, and Sebastian Vettel have driven for the Italian team. However, the Maranello-based team haven’t won both championships since 2008.

Felipe Massa who once drove for the Italian team isn’t surprised to see them go through a rough patch. The Brazilian believes the team hasn’t been able to match the same levels when they had Schumacher behind the wheel.

Massa states that Ferrari hasn’t been the same ever since Schumacher

There is no doubt that Schumacher played a vital role in Ferrari’s success on the F1 grid. However, ever since the 7-times world champion parted ways with the Italian team, the Scuderia hasn’t been the same.

Speaking to AS with Antonio Gallardo, Massa said, “I’m not surprised. Ferrari’s best years were with Schumacher, then 2006, 2007, 2008… After 2009, Ferrari was no longer the benchmark team and it continues to be that way.”

Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 11, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

“There have been many changes and it is important to have a cooler mentality and that is difficult at Ferrari. I hope that with the changes of 2022 Ferrari can win again. I am a ‘Ferrarista’, but it is not easy. It takes very intense and cooler work to get good results,” he concluded. (Translated from Spanish via Google)

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What does Mass think of the team’s new signing?

At the start of the 2021 season, the Italian team brought in Carlos Sainz from McLaren to replace Vettel. In his first season with the Maranello-based team, the Spaniard has bagged three podiums so far this season. Massa analyzes Carlos’ first season with the iconic red team.

Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 26, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. celebrates on the podium with the trophy after finishing third in the race Pool via REUTERS/Yuri Kochetkov

He said, “Very well. He is a very strong pilot. Ferrari’s problem is not one of the drivers, it is the car, the team. Sainz and Leclerc are a very important driver couple. Sainz works hard, he’s consistent, fast… he’s a very strong rider.”

With five races remaining this season, the number 55 driver will aim to end his first season with the Italian team on a high? What are your expectations from Sainz till the end of the season? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: How Sainz & Verstappen Inadvertently Pushed This Talented F1 Driver Out of the Red Bull Programme

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