Hakkinen on disappointing Ferrari: 'From my point of view, big problems'

Ferrari is struggling. Former world champion Mika Hakkinen saw immediately during the first tests of this season that the SF-23 was not a high-flyer. According to the Finn, that also puts extra pressure on the shoulders of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. In an interview with Italy's Gazetta dello Sport, Hakkinen gives his take on the Maranello-based team's situation.

Hakkinen on the Ferrari SF-23

The Ferrari SF-23 has not proved to be a success car so far. While the Italian team managed three podium finishes in the first half of the season, competing for victories has not been one of them. Mika Hakkinen already saw during the first tests in Bahrain that there was something fundamentally wrong with this season's Ferrari:"When I saw the car in action in certain corners, I immediately said to myself: 'Oh, they have the wrong car this year'. The drivers were still saying after the test that there were minor problems, but in my point of view theset were really big problems. Especially because the Red Bull was flying straight away".

Hakkinen sees that a disappointing car automatically contributes to making mistakes. He therefore does not put the blame directly on Ferrari contenders Leclerc and Sainz. "If your car is difficult to drive, then the chances of making mistakes are higher. The two Ferrari drivers are always driving on the limit". The 1998 and 1999 world champion agrees that Leclerc and Sainz are no longer rookies, but having never taken a world title, the Finn knows they are under pressure. Hakkinen is convinced, though, that with the right car they will achieve fine results.

Hakkinen takes McLaren as an example

The Formula 1 season continues at Zandvoort after a few weeks of summer break. Hakkinen knows that recovery is possible for Ferrari and takes McLaren as an example:"What McLaren did the other day is a great example. Nobody pointed accusingly at anyone in Woking, they worked really hard. What makes the difference is the people in your team".