Ferrari and Mercedes have the same number of podium finishes so far this season. Despite the differences in performance at the start of the year between the F1-75 and the W-13, the Silver Arrows have managed to get into the box the same times as the Italian team before the summer break: a total of 11.
Ferrari began dominating the new era of Formula 1. The Scuderia was very competitive in the first Grand Prix, although the reliability of it´s car and various strategic mistakes have meant that the results do not reflect the performance of the F1-75.
For their part, in Mercedes the opposite happened. After succeeding in the hybrid era, the Brackley team took a step back with the new regulations. The W-13 did not show the expected competitiveness and they have had to deal with the rebound. But in the last Grand Prix they have taken a step forward and added to the consistency of their driver, Mercedes is very close to Ferrari.
In fact, after the Hungarian Grand Prix and having contested thirteen races, both teams have the same number of podiums: 11. Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton are the drivers who have stood on the podium the most times for their respective teams, six each. While, Charles Leclerc and George Russell have done it fives times each.
Where there is a big difference is in the number of victories. Ferrari drivers have crossed the finish line first on as many as four occasions- Leclerc has claimed victory three times and Sainz once- while Mercedes are yet to win this season.
But the silver arrows solve this difference with their regularity, as Lewis Hamilton has five consecutive Grand Prix in the drawer. In addition, he has only not scored in one race – at Imola-, the same for Russell that this only zero corresponds to the Silverstone Grand Prix.
The equality between both teams is reflected in the general classification. In the Drivers World Championship, Charles Leclerc occupies second position separated by 32 points from Lewis Hamilton, who is sixth. And Russell is fourth after beating Sainz at the Hungarian Grand Prix. As for the Constructors World Championship, Ferrari leads Mercedes by 30 points.
Thus, following the pattern of the last Grand Prix, after the summer break the fight between the two teams and the four drivers is more than guaranteed.
Jorge Barbero
