"Trust has been hurt" at Ferrari with strategy issues

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert believes there are trust issues at Ferrari. Between the strategy team and Charles Leclerc, there was more confusion on the team radio. Ferrari continued to ask Leclerc questions throughout the race including when he wanted to pit and onto which tyre. 

Championship slipping away

Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen have one hand on both trophies. Verstappen almost has a 100-point advantage in the World Championship and even Leclerc admitted it would be difficult from here with just eight races remaining. 

At Spa, Verstappen completed one of his most dominant wins in the sport. Despite starting from 14th place, Verstappen won by over 15 seconds. According to Herbert, this would've surprised the crew at Ferrari. 

"Going into this race they were surprised by how quick Verstappen was and the Red Bull. They have to focus on what they have within their fingertips and hope there is some unreliability or contact in the race that comes into play. Otherwise, there is no way they can beat him. That's all they can rely on. They are so far back, there jaws have probably hit the floor because that was an easy win," Herbert said on Sky Sports. 

Tactical problems

Not for the first time this season, Ferrari couldn't make their minds up on a strategy. Herbert sees a unique situation inside the Italian team. 

"They are almost asking Charles what they want to do. But that doesn't happen anywhere else down the pit lane. They don't ask the driver what he wants to do. I think that's where the trust has been hurt with all the issues. Charles [might] have said he wanted to take control. That's a strength to be perfectly honest. But you do need the team support. He has a lot of weight on his shoulders," he added.