F1 News: Ferrari Legend Calls Out To Sainz And Leclerc - "I Feel The Passion"
Jean Alesi deeply regrets never clinching a win at Monza during his Ferrari tenure. As the F1 circuit returns to Monza, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz carry Ferrari's hopes, aiming to turn Alesi's unfulfilled dream into a triumphant reality.
For many Formula 1 drivers, there are specific races that hold an indescribable magic — races they yearn to win, circuits they aim to conquer. For Jean Alesi, former Ferrari standout, it was the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. A historic circuit with roots deep in the DNA of the sport, Monza has been a place where dreams come true and sometimes, where dreams remain just that — dreams.
Jean Alesi, with a formidable 202 races under his belt from 1989 to 2001, stood atop the podium only once in his illustrious career, but that one elusive victory at Monza always remained beyond his grasp.
“I have raced here in Monza ten times, winning a couple of poles, but I have never managed to win," Alesi expressed to Tuttosport. For him, the dream was not just about victory, but to be victorious in red — "I’d even more so [like to win] dressed in red.”
With Monza being one of the oldest circuits currently in the F1 lineup, it holds the prestige of high average speeds, with teams opting for low-drag, low-downforce setups. The sheer adrenaline, combined with the allure of the track, has cemented it as a career-defining milestone for many drivers. Particularly for those driving the iconic Ferrari, where the love from Tifosi can elevate a race day to a spectacle of unbridled passion.
Ferrari Press Image
It's no wonder then that Alesi, despite setting an unprecedented record of 67 consecutive races without a win in a Ferrari (a record surpassed by Felipe Massa in 2013), deeply cherishes his ties with the Prancing Horse and feels the weight of missed opportunities.
“Every time I come to Monza, as soon as I pass the Vedano gate I feel the passion," he shared. "Ferrari is not a simple Formula 1 team, but a religion."
As the F1 world sets its eyes on Monza this season, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz face the pressure of living up to their legacy while contesting Max Verstappen for the victory. Positioned fourth in the constructors' championship, the Scuderia has faced its share of hurdles this season, with the Italian media watching every move. A win here, or even a podium finish, would not only rejuvenate the team's spirits for the last stretch of the season but also offer a nod to legends like Alesi, reminding them that the dream, dressed in red, lives on.