Ferrari overcame McLaren to third place in the final standings by 47.5 points, despite the early finish to its upgrade cycle.
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The commencement of a long-awaited new technical regulation for Formula One this year will force teams to seek different aerodynamic concepts and manage the debut of the new 18-inch tyres. It will be a chance for all teams to make significant progress, with Ferrari in particular hoping to return to the front of the pack after a two-year hiatus. Despite a close race with McLaren for third place in the constructors’ championship, Ferrari suspended development on its 2021 car early last year due to the importance of this season’s new ruleset.
Ferrari overcame McLaren to third place in the final standings by 47.5 points, despite the early finish to its upgrade cycle, as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz teamed for five podiums and two pole positions. Last year, Mercedes and Red Bull were locked in a close championship battle that lasted until the season’s final race in Abu Dhabi.
Despite the fact that Mercedes and Red Bull must concentrate on their 2021 cars due to the title struggle, Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies believes it will not have a significant impact on the team’s hopes for this year.
“I’m sure they had to develop this year,” Mekies said. “However, they are in both cases incredible organisations, and it’s enough to look at the results to see it.”
“Therefore, I would not underestimate for one second their capability to produce a great 2022 car. Yes, they had to spend more on 2021, but if you look at the results they have produced in the last 10 years, one and the other, you will need to be very naive to think that it’s going to be easy to close the gap.”
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“Because ultimately, you still have to close the gap. Even us, we look at the 2022 car numbers compared to where we are, and if compared to where we are is X number of tenths slower to these guys, then we need to get that gap plus the gap to them. So I would not be too worried for them,” he added.
Ferrari has previously stated that their car for this year will include “a lot of innovation,” including a “substantially different” power unit than the one used through 2021. The team hasn’t competed for a championship since 2018, and its constructors’ title drought extends back to 2008.
