F1 is so much better with Ferrari back in the hunt

THEY must have an outstanding Brazilian team to be ranked as a great World Cup.

The same applies to a strong West Indies team in Test cricket.

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The equivalent in Formula 1 sees Ferrari back in the hunt for world titles, which is incredible considering those years of Michael Schumacher’s dominance.

There was a clear sense of that here in Bahraint Charles Leclerc’s victory on Sunday has given the sport a huge boost – unless you work for Red Bull!

Leclerc, 24, is an uncommon good for F1. He is universally liked, apparently by everyone including his own teammates.

While F1 The fanbase is largely split into diehards; Lewis Hamilton’s “Team LH” or Max Verstappen’s “Orange Army”, they all love Leclerc.

It’s easy to see why. He’s polite – I can’t remember a single moment where he was even remotely arrogant or rude in an interview – he speaks three languages ​​and is fair on the track.

His fight with Verstappen on Sunday was very respectful and saw the Dutchman come off worse after a wrong overtake, a locked wheel and a puncture – the world champion obviously blamed his brakes.

Leclerc is fast and a fantastic addition to the Max vs Lewis dynamic that promises to be an intriguing fight this season.

Having Ferrari in the mix of a team fight will also be excellent to watch as F1 is a much better place with them at the top than in the midfield of obscurity.

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F1 needs Ferrari just like Ferrari needs F1.

All threats in the past that the Italian team would say goodbye to the sport and set up their own championship were just empty.

It wouldn’t be a World Championship without the right to be called F1, while the sport would only maintain its position as motorsport’s premier class with the world’s most famous car brand on board.

For that reason, it’s amazing to think that Ferrari can win the constructors’ title this season after just one win in the opening race – for the first time since Hamilton sealed his maiden crown with them in 2008.

The last year has been second to none in terms of drama between Hamilton and Verstappen.

But 2022, with Ferrari mixed with Red Bull and Mercedes for wins and titles, could be a great season ahead of us.

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