By: There is just over a week to go before Formula 1 heads to Las Vegas for the start of the season’s final triple-header. It will be an important weekend for the team from Maranello—not so much for the result itself, but for what it could lead to.
In Las Vegas, the Prancing Horse could secure mathematical certainty of finishing second in the constructors’ championship. While it is not as important as winning the world title, it remains an objective that must be achieved at all costs. Losing the runners-up spot in the constructors’ standings after holding it throughout the season would be too great a blow.
Ferrari have 510 points in the standings, 95 more than Red Bull. That means they only need to leave the Grand Prix with an 86-point advantage to secure the honours that come with second place.
Second in the constructors’ championship? The drivers have other things on their minds
As mentioned, however, that may not be the primary target—at least not directly. For Hamilton and Leclerc, it could be crucial to meet the team’s demands as soon as possible, allowing them to focus on their internal battle in the drivers’ championship.
If they were teammates like any other, they would naturally want to beat one another, but would not make a drama of finishing behind the other. Especially in a championship like this one, where the final position will ultimately count for little.
Over the past few races, however, Hamilton has appeared more determined than ever to protect his result. Lewis, who has enjoyed a high-level season with only one retirement to his name, seems particularly keen to beat Leclerc. It is evident in how he behaves on track and in the comments he makes after races. Hamilton wants to prove that he can beat his team-mate, and he wants to do it.
On the other side, Charles initially appeared to have little interest in the battle between the two. Now, perhaps also influenced by the Briton’s behaviour in recent weeks, he seems hungrier and more eager for success.
A scenario Ferrari will seek to avoid
Mathematical certainty of second place could therefore allow them greater freedom in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and consequently see them fight more fiercely in the battles that lie ahead.
It is a possible scenario that Ferrari will probably try to avoid in every possible way. Even at the end of the season, given the budget cap, it remains absolutely important to complete the campaign without taking too many risks and without becoming involved in incidents that could damage the finances in any way.
Cover photo by Vinicius de Oliveira / WHYOUT Images
Interior photo by Vinicius de Oliveira / WHYOUT Images
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