F1: Ferrari have a ‘fear of winning’ against rivals Mercedes

Maurizio Arrivabene was appointed as Ferrari’s team principal in November 2014

(Image credit: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images)

published 6 November 2018

If Ferrari are to beat Mercedes to future Formula 1 drivers’ and constructors’ titles then they must overcome their “fear of winning”, says team principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

2018 F1 season guide: final drivers’ and constructors’ standings

This season Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel missed out on the drivers’ championship to Lewis Hamilton while Mercedes have a 55-point lead in the constructors’ standings going into the final two races of the season.

Speaking to Autosport, Ferrari boss Arrivabene said: “There are areas where we are superior, others where they [Mercedes] are. But I think we still lack the habit of winning.

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“For them to have a 1-2 is almost ordinary. For us it is still an exceptional event. We must be more aware of our means, and not be afraid of winning.

“In tennis they call it ‘il braccino’: the fear of winning that comes when you are close to the goal. We must trust ourselves, and make winning a good habit.”

The last Ferrari driver to win the title was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. Ferrari haven’t won the constructors’ championship since 2008.

Camara to join McLaren

McLaren have announced that Sergio Sette Camara will join the team in 2019 as their test and development driver.

The 20-year-old Brazilian, who currently races in Formula 2, said: “It’s my dream to one day become a Formula 1 driver, and I’d like to thank McLaren for giving me this incredible opportunity. My aim is to integrate myself in the team and work as closely with them as possible; to listen, learn and help to develop as a driver, as well as support McLaren.”

McLaren sporting director Gil de Ferran added: “We’ve been following his progress for some time and believe he is a promising young talent with a real potential.”

Three spots still up for grabs

It’s been a busy few months for F1 teams confirming their plans for the 2019 season, but three seats are still vacant for next year.

If Lance Stroll leaves Williams for Force India, as it is expected, that will leave only two drives to fill for 2019. Toro Rosso are yet to announce a teammate for Daniil Kvyat while Williams only have George Russell confirmed.

Current Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin is not ruled out for 2019, says ESPN, but names being mentioned with the team include Esteban Ocon, Esteban Gutierrez and Robert Kubica.

If Toro Rosso don’t announce Brendon Hartley for next year one person being linked is former Red Bull junior team driver Alexander Albon.

2019 F1 grid: as it stands