Mattia Binotto reacts after the Bahrain tests
If the Scuderia appeared in great shape in Barcelona, it did not seem to be experiencing any difficulties in Bahrain. Ferrari's team principal, Mattia Binotto, gives his opinion.
During the six days of testing between Barcelona and Bahrain, the Ferrari F1-75 consistently ranked at the top of the time sheets. While it seemed to suffer from porpoising in Spain, this effect was significantly reduced in Sakhir.
This Friday, Carlos Sainz was one of the fastest. On Saturday, it was the Monégasque Charles Leclerc who set the best time until the arrival of Max Verstappen on C5 tyres, which are softer than those of Leclerc.
During the Catalan tests, Mattia Binotto had stated that Ferrari was behind Red Bull and Mercedes in terms of performance. The team principal of the Scuderia still seems to hold the same opinion, despite the excellent results from the Italian team.
“I think that by focusing on ourselves, these six days have been positive,” says Binotto. “Because we drove consistently, learned a lot from the car, collected a lot of data that we compared to those from Maranello, with the simulator and wind tunnel. That was our first objective and I think we achieved it,” he admits.
« As for the performances, it’s very difficult to gauge. I still think that Red Bull and Mercedes are the big favorites. I believe they were the ones who won last year, both champions in terms of constructor and driver. They have proven to be very strong teams, with a one-second advantage at the end of the year.
» Mattia Binotto observes.
« There is no reason why they wouldn’t be favorites,” he continues. “So, for me, they are the favorites. I believe that as Ferrari, we should try to at least be the underdogs, try to be as close as we can. And if we look at the performances so far, it’s very difficult to judge. Of course, I hope it will be very close until the end,” the Italian confesses.
A true potential
In recent years, the Scuderia has been quite far from the two leaders, especially in 2020. While the Rossa started to regain ground in 2021, Mattia Binotto has high hopes for the upcoming season.
(I) I am sure that this team is excellent, which can be very strong and that it has once again proven that we can be back in the competition. That’s what we are focusing on, reveals Binotto.
There is a lot to do, I think the season is going to be long. Bahrain is the first race, but there will be 22 or 21 more after that. I believe that development throughout the season will be a key element. So we will see. It’s a matter of staying focused on ourselves and doing our best.
The Italians remain very confident about the Scuderia’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Both of them have shown excellent results during the pre-season tests, being among the fastest and most productive on the track.
« They are certainly highly skilled and talented drivers, very fast and with a common goal, shared by all of us,” affirms Mattia Binotto. « And I believe we can have a good championship: last season at least proved that they work well together. I think it’s also important to have the right mindset. So let’s start the season, enjoy it and I hope they will also have fun,” concludes the Italian.
