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Watch the short film from Ferrari and the historic Italian marque launch their season with Charles Leclerc and new signing Carlos Sainz
Watch the short film from Ferrari and the historic Italian marque launch their season with Charles Leclerc and new signing Carlos Sainz
Ferrari believe they have “got a lot of speed back” with their new 2021 car and the F1 giants are trying to kick back from one of their worst seasons – but they have put pressure on it. that it is impractical to expect Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz ‘s new signing to fight. at the front again this year.
The Scuderia officially got their 2021 season on Friday with the launch of a team from Maranello – with the car undisclosed until March 10 – and team leader Mattia Binotto, Leclerc and Sainz all spoke passionately about work together to rebuild the greatest fun. a successful and famous stable, which went from permanent title contestants to a sixth-bottom last year.
Few changes to the rules this year make it difficult for a team to drastically change their fortunes, but Binotto expressed his confidence that Ferrari has dealt with what was seen as their biggest 2020 weakness.
“I think the main issue last year was the speed on the tracks, not just the power but both power and sluggishness,” said the team principal, with Ferrari planning to discuss a new engine that as well as the design of a new rear car for the SF21.
“We’ve done a lot of work, both on the car’s power unit and aerodynamics to reduce the car’s slowdown.
Leclerc will test the 2018 Ferrari at Fiorano earlier this year
“Based on our simulations, based on what we see in terms of power output from the dynos and the towing of the car from the wind tunnel, I think we got a lot of distance on the direct routes.
“So I expect speed will not be as big an issue as it used to be. We hope to be competitive, but we will only know it when we are in Bahrain. [for pre-season testing and the first race]. It is always related to what others do.
“But our car is definitely more efficient than the one we had last year. “
New teammates Leclerc and Sainz are hoping for improvements
Leclerc admitted that he had spent more time at Ferrari this winter than his previous two with the team, with the young Monegasque – and the new presumptive team leader – also cautiously optimistic about his 2021 car .
“It looks like a good step and I think there’s been a lot of work here,” said Leclerc. “We’ve been here since the beginning of the season, pushing a lot and seeing the improvements of the car.
“For now, it always looks positive on paper but then we have to see where others have taken a step, and where we are compared to them.”
Saina, McLaren driver who replaced Sebastian Vettel, said: “There are some encouraging signs, encouraging data is coming out.
“I’m happy and proud and I’ve seen good progress, but until we see what competitors have done it will be impossible to know if it’s enough or not.”
Leclerc and Sainz also talked about the “compromise” of fighting against each other while also dragging Ferrari further up the grid – which they both agreed was a top priority. On that note, Binotto explained: “To be world champions, we must first beat the other cars and the other drivers.
“Just ahead of time we are the fastest car, and our fastest drivers on the road, we may be fighting between them. We are very focused on trying to make progress as team. “
Binotto also said Ferrari will have to cut out “intolerable errors” this season.
Ferrari ‘reasonable’ about 2021 chances, but accept: ‘We need to do better’
Ferrari, while accepting the need for improvement in 2021, did not set a goal for the campaign – but it does not appear to intend to release their shackles in the middle of the park.
Mercedes and Red Bull led the way with some speed in 2020, with McLaren, Racing Point and Renault also finishing ahead of the team that holds 31 world titles combined, but has not won in 13 years.
“I believe our car is better than last year’s car, but we also need to be reasonable,” Binotto said. “The gap to the best level last year was very important. and we cannot recover in one winter. “
The team leader even admitted that much of their 2021 efforts would go towards a car next season amid a major overhaul of F1 rules.
“Our focus on 2021 will be developing the 2022 car, which is the main target,” he said. “We don’t spend much time on the 2021 car during the season, there is always a balance and it is a choice we have to make at some point.
“But 2022 is such a big change that there is the minimum amount of exercise and design that needs to be developed, so most of the effort will be there.”
However, Binotto also said Ferrari not only needs to think long – term with how far they fell last year – with jobs possibly on the line if not a big jump in performance.
“Last year was definitely a big, big disappointment,” Binotto said. “We know we can never say such a bad result again. We know we need to do better in 2021. But I think even more importantly is our will to win.
“I’m not saying we won – I think we have to be realistic and I think there are cars that have been really, really strong last year, and with the cars partially frozen, they will certainly be strong again 2021.
“But I think it’s our will to win our commitment, our determination, our focus, to be aware that every detail counts. I think determination will matter and show progress. That’s what I expect.
“I think it’s a team mindset, a driver’s mind, and as a team principal without a doubt I’m fully aware of my responsibilities.
“So I don’t feel stressed, I feel the responsibility and the pride. I know we just have to do better and that’s part of my responsibility.”
Ferrari certainly have plenty of excitement before they launch on March 10, with three days of pre – season testing then starting on March 12 in Bahrain.