The Formula 1 season roared back to life after the summer break with the Spa Gp, and what a return it was! Unlike last year’s damp squib of a race, this year’s Spa-Francorchamps spectacle delivered drama, excitement, and a dominant display from one driver, while another team grappled with familiar failings. The #SpaGP was anything but boring.

Max Verstappen’s Ascent to Victory

Starting from the lower end of the grid due to penalties, Max Verstappen put on a driving clinic. He carved his way through the field with breathtaking overtakes and relentless pace. Within a mere twelve laps, he had surged to the lead, leaving the rest of the grid in his wake. His performance at the Spa GP was a masterclass in precision and speed.

Ferrari’s Strategy Struggles and Leclerc’s Unfortunate Luck

While Verstappen shone, Ferrari and Charles Leclerc endured another weekend of frustration. Leclerc’s race was hampered by a freak incident – a visor tear-off, ironically belonging to Verstappen, lodged in his brake duct. This led to overheating and an unscheduled pit stop. Adding insult to injury, he received a penalty for speeding in the pit lane due to damage from the same tear-off. Beyond the bad luck, Ferrari’s strategic decisions continue to be questioned, raising concerns about the team’s ability to support Leclerc’s championship aspirations.

Psychological Safety at Ferrari: A Cultural Question

The Spa GP weekend highlighted deeper issues within Ferrari, specifically around team culture and psychological safety. The radio exchanges during Leclerc’s race, where tire choices and strategies were seemingly crowdsourced from the driver mid-race, painted a picture of a team hesitant to make decisive calls. This apparent fear of making mistakes suggests a lack of psychological safety – a crucial element for high-performing teams, as defined by Professor Amy Edmondson. For Ferrari to truly contend for championships, fostering an environment of trust and confidence, where risks can be taken and mistakes learned from without fear of blame, is paramount.

Looking Ahead: Zandvoort and Beyond

As Formula 1 heads to Zandvoort, all eyes will be on whether Ferrari can address their operational challenges and if Mercedes can continue their progress. But the Spa GP served as a stark reminder of Red Bull’s current dominance and the mountain Ferrari needs to climb to challenge for the title. The #SpaGP delivered a thrilling return to racing action, setting the stage for an exciting second half of the season.