Ferrari’s quest for a grand prix victory this season has been met with disappointment, prompting CEO Benedetto Vigna to invoke a Japanese proverb, “Nana korobi, ya oki,” in an effort to inspire the team. The proverb translates to “fall down seven times, stand up eight,” and reflects the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges.
Ferrari has been grappling with an unpredictable SF-23 car, which displayed a loss of pace from qualifying to the grand prix in Spain. Their best result this season came from Charles Leclerc’s third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In response, the Scuderia undertook significant changes to the car ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, aiming to establish a new development path, make incremental progress, and achieve greater consistency.
However, the results in Spain did not align with their expectations. Carlos Sainz, who started second on the grid, slipped to fifth place at the end of the race, while Leclerc, hindered by a loose rear end during qualifying, began from the pit lane and struggled to advance through the traffic, ultimately finishing a disappointing 11th.
The numbers indicate that Ferrari’s performance stagnated rather than improved. The gap between them and Red Bull increased from 0.658s per lap in Miami to 0.692s in Spain. Leclerc expressed his disappointment, stating, “To be honest, we are struggling more than what I expected. We’ve had quite a few disappointing days this year, so unfortunately, it’s just in line with the rest of the year.”
Echoing Leclerc’s sentiments, both Sainz and team boss Fred Vasseur emphasized the car’s inconsistency following the Spanish Grand Prix. In an effort to rally his team, CEO Vigna seized the opportunity to issue a rallying cry during this week’s Bloomberg Capital Market Forum, invoking the Japanese proverb.
“Ferrari is facing a challenging season, and it is important to remember the essence of this proverb,” Vigna explained. “Nana korobi, ya oki! We may have fallen seven times, but we must rise on the eighth occasion, displaying determination and perseverance.”
As Ferrari approaches the eighth race of the season, the team will draw on the spirit of the proverb to regroup and overcome their struggles. With Leclerc, Sainz, and the team management acknowledging the car’s inconsistency, Ferrari is aware of the task at hand. The team will need to harness their collective strength and resolve to overcome adversity, striving for improved performances and aiming to return to the podium.
While the road ahead may be challenging, Ferrari remains committed to their pursuit of success in Formula 1. The team will look to embody the fighting spirit encapsulated by the Japanese proverb, demonstrating their resilience as they aim to rise above their current difficulties and achieve the results they desire.
