Ferrari the strongest duo? 'With Leclerc or Sainz, Mercedes would have won'

There could be quite a rivalry between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz next season. The two drivers were very evenly matched this season, and although Sainz beat his teammate in the championship, the difference was minimal.

With the new regulations for 2022, the order of the grid could change dramatically. Fans have high hopes for the Ferrari team, which has been busy developing the car for some time now.

Jean Alesi is a big fan of Ferrari and will always remain so, he says in conversation with Corriere. The former F1 driver drove for the Italian team for several years and was very popular with the fans. According to the Frenchman, Ferrari's driver duo could cause an obstacle.

Two fast drivers a problem

"It's a big 'problem' for Ferrari to have two fast drivers. They have the strongest duo in Formula 1. If Mercedes had had a Leclerc or Sainz instead of Bottas, they would have won the Drivers' Championship", Alesi believes.

Valtteri Bottas was criticised for his inconsistent performances throughout the season, and although Mercedes did manage to win the Constructors' Championship, Lewis Hamilton missed out on an eighth Drivers' Championship win. We will have to wait until the new season to see if Ferrari can realistically fight for the championship.