Italian press says Ferrari misses Alonso

Oct.25 - Amid a difficult closing phase of the 2016 season, Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel are continuing to get a battering in the Italian media.

Pino Allievi, arguably the most respected Italian journalist in the paddock, was looking not at the Maranello team's present but back to the past in assessing the US grand prix.

"We again saw the best from Fernando, who is limited by his McLaren," La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as saying.

"There are many at Maranello who still lament his departure."

As for Alonso's successor, German Vettel, Gazzetta had this to say: "The performance was not bad, but he is still very far from the top, with a car that is no longer guaranteed."

So while Vettel struggles, it is his teammate Kimi Raikkonen who is getting the praise.

"Raikkonen had Vettel behind him all the time until he was forced to retire. They had different strategies, but it was yet another convincing race" for the Finn, the authoritative sports daily added.

Corriere dello Sport, meanwhile, called Austin a "Red disaster", saying "The light at the end of the tunnel seems far away".

Team boss Maurizio Arrivabene, however, is putting a brave face on it, insisting that while the current situation is "tough, we are strong".

"What is happening, especially with things outside of our control, puts a strain on the b---s of anyone," said the Italian.

"I should say shoulders: you cannot say bad words," Corriere della Sera quoted Arrivabene as clarifying.

Also amid the 'disaster', Vettel keeps smiling.

"Yes, why not," the German told Sport Bild. "A bad mood doesn't make you better.

"I cannot be happy with the speed of the (Austin) weekend, but the positive is that we are learning so much that could be useful for next season.

"You must not forget that, first of all, we have a long term project. And we are not fighting against Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse, but very prepared opponents.

"Even if it's a steep and bumpy road, I'm sure the day will come when we will be on top."

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