Two of the most famous teams in Formula 1 have been embroiled in a constant back and forth dual since the season opening race in Bahrain. The legendary Italian team of Ferrari and the iconic British team of McLaren find themselves split by just 3.5 points, with only five races remaining in the season – so who will come out on top?
Although there are many who would rather watch them battle it out for the top spot of the podium, currently they have to make due with them battling for the places behind the leading teams of Red Bull and Mercedes. Usually, in the hybrid era, the ones who fight behind the leaders are fighting for the title of ‘Best of the rest’. However, this is different. They are no longer in the midfield battle, they are far out of reach of that.
But, that has not deterred the fact that their fight is just as entertaining, it just does not receive as much attention as others – because it is not for first. The two teams have been within touching distance of each other throughout the season, with both enjoying their times in front. However, now see’s a different situation. Arguably, the fastest car is currently trailing their rival and sits in fourth.
Ferrari opted to introduce their power unit upgrade in the latter part of the season, which left their drivers of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz each starting from the back of the grid at the Turkish and Russian Grand Prix. And it seems like a strong decision. Since the introduction, Ferrari have arguably had the upper hand on McLaren which has saw them close the deficit in the constructors to the small gap it is now.
The US Grand Prix was quite a strong telling point when it comes to reading between the lines in their dual. Look at the thrilling opening lap, Sainz had to defend his position from Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, with the latter managing to find his way past. Meanwhile, Leclerc ran off into the distance, showing the real potential of their current car.
You could say that McLaren have enjoyed a better season, with a race victory, a one-two finish, a pole position and multiple podiums. Whereas Ferrari have multiple podiums and two pole positions but are missing the taste of victory – having been on the waiting list since Singapore 2019.
During the first half of the season, McLaren were the team in the headlines for the right reasons as many were enjoying the renaissance of the rejuvenated McLaren Mercedes team. Yet, their form begun dropping off after the summer break. Yes, they secured a now famous one-two finish in Monza – the home of their rivals – but that feels like it was an anomaly. The fight has been insanely even. In the six races since the return from the summer break, both teams have outscored each other on three occasions – but it was McLaren who managed to bring home a mammoth 45 points from a Grand Prix weekend.
But, Ferrari have been snapping at their heels and now find themselves with the momentum on their side heading into the final five rounds.
The drivers are doing their jobs, and their fight for third in the constructors championship is stunning to watch and has caused their battle in the drivers championship to become a talking point. Albeit for fifth.
Ironically, both teams acquired new drivers for the 2021 season, with Ricciardo joining McLaren and Sainz departing the British team to join Ferrari.
Ricciardo has undoubtedly had the toughest season out of the four drivers involved in this dual, yet is the only one to secure a victory. Which is kind of funny. Norris had his chance in Russia, but that charge fell apart in spectacular fashion with just a few laps remaining; Leclerc had his opportunity in Silverstone but yet again saw his chance fall away in the dying laps. The Spaniard of Sainz is yet to have his chance of victory, as second place in Monaco stands as his best result so far.
It is Norris, who is in the midst of his best season in Formula 1, who leads the charge in the drivers by sitting in fifth place. Amazingly, just a single point away from Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. With the Mexican only taking the fourth position after the recent race in the States after his turbulent season.
Anyway, Norris’ tally of 149 points see’s him 21 clear of Leclerc after what has been a mightily impressive season by the young Brit. The Monegasque driver of Leclerc mind you has had his work cut out this season. Sainz has impressed many with the speed of how he got to grips with his Ferrari SF21. There was a point recently where both drivers were matching points, but now it is Leclerc who has pulled 5.5 points clear of his teammate.
Sainz has gained many plaudits in 2021, as others have shown that it takes a long period of time to adapt. Yet, he was almost instantly on the pace with his teammate Leclerc, who is held in high regard throughout the paddock. But, Leclerc has without a doubt been one of the stand out drivers this season – bringing an entertainment factor with him this season. An almost Gilles Villeneuve esque style to his driving, which has been hilarious and spectacular to see.
Trailing behind is Ricciardo on 105 points. As mentioned, this season has shown that it can be a struggle for a class driver to adapt in short time. Ricciardo has been no exception, with his first half of the season being particularly poor, causing many to begin questioning the Australian. Yet, he has a race victory this season and the others do not.
Back to the race in Austin, Leclerc had his own race in front, okay. The real battle was between Sainz and Ricciardo. The other McLaren of Norris had struggled for pace throughout the weekend and could not help but fall of the back of his rivals, leaving the Aussie to fight the Spaniard. And that fight lasted for the majority of the race.
Arguably, it would have gone on to the chequered flag without their contact. But, that is racing. Ricciardo held off the Ferrari to bring home an important fifth, whilst Sainz slipped down to seventh in the final few laps.
It is a duel that now see’s the drivers and teams working harder then ever. Yes, it is for third. They could have their chances next season with the new regulations coming into play, and what better way to begin the following season then with a large prize fund then their closest rivals.
The Motorsport Formula 