David Sanchez’s job in danger following poor Ferrari performance in Bahrain. David Sanchez's job in danger.

The disappointing result of the Bahrain GP could have consequences for Scuderia Ferrari. Inside the Ferrari Racing Division there are already rumors about the possible departure of David Sanchez, chief engineer of performance and operational manager of the aerodynamics sector. What is certainly true is that, based on the data from the Bahrain Grand Prix, the SF-23 did not live up to expectations in terms of performance.

And if Charles Leclerc’s reliability problems are most likely linked to the battery system and therefore an issue that the Italian side was able to solve quickly, the management of the aerodynamic set-up at Sakhir, between the official pre-season testing session and the race weekend, appeared to be at the very least chaotic. There is no doubt that solutions aimed at reducing aerodynamic resistance on a straight line will be tested; but the experiment with the single-pylon rear wing that flexed in all directions left everyone perplexed.

Ongoing development work
There is no doubt that this Ferrari team is still an ongoing construction site; but the doubt remains as to why these trials, once the season has begun, still show so many signs of inconsistency. David Sanchez, a Frenc manager from Montpellier with Spanish origins, joined Ferrari from McLaren. He is known as a strong character, not inclined to admit mistakes. It is normal that at the moment he is seen as the key figure in terms of aerodynamic issues, but if Fred Vasseur has really decided to continue without him, or even just to find someone else to work alongside him in the role, who will the new Ferrari boss entrust this responsibility?

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Retraining the staff within the Ferrari Racing Division is a viable option, looking for a solution on the market is a more difficult operation at this stage. However, if the results continue in this direction, finding solid options in terms of workforce from abroad would give a measure of the capabilities of the new Ferrari team principal.