Mattia Binotto: Ferrari is much better prepared for the championship than in 2018

Over the past two years, Scuderia Ferrari has suffered from a lack of competitiveness compared to its competitors, especially against Mercedes and Red Bull last year. In 2022, the Italian team finally seems to be back in the race, as they claimed the first two positions right from the opening round. They also achieved a double podium the following week in Saudi Arabia.

In 2018, the SF71H driven by Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen was one of the most competitive, to the point of winning five races in half a season. The Ferraris seemed ready to snatch the title from Mercedes, except that the German team raised their game after the summer break and surpassed their rival to win their fifth constructor’s title, repeating the scenario of the previous year.

This year, the team principal of Ferrari, Mattia Binotto, is convinced that the team has everything it takes to develop properly throughout the season. « I believe that maintaining good development throughout the season is always a challenge, not just for us, but for all teams. » stated Binotto.

« But it is true that our competitors are very strong at it and they have proven it, whereas we, with the last two opportunities we had in 2017 and 2018, lost a bit in development. I think that for design, we have improved our tools, such as the Venturi tunnels, processes, and the simulator. And I think that today, compared to before, we are much better prepared to do a better job in development. » continued the Italian.

« Contrary to previous years, we also have a budget, which influences the rate of development and I think this is a key element. My concern is mainly to ensure that we have the right policy on this because it can change the game in the fight for development […]. We don’t expect significant developments in Melbourne, but as soon as we can bring something, we will do it anyway. » Binotto concluded.