Mattia Binotto Reckons a Ferrari-Red Bull F1 Rivalry Could Spur in 2022

Ferrari Boss Mattia Binotto has his eyes set on the title win this season. He is optimistic ahead of the new season opener and finds his drivers reliable. The Maranello team understands that the new F1-75 is very much capable of providing a one-two situation. Additionally, the team has claimed they will be right there competing with Red Bull from the start.

Mattia Binotto expects this Ferrari to be a top fighter

Ferrari’s last champion was the Finnish driver, Kimi Raikkonen. Ever since the Ice Man left Ferrari for the first time in 2009, the team’s performance and competitiveness had been on a decline. However, in the past few years, fans have seen the Italian outfit make its way back to the top. Under Binotto’s exemplary leadership, Ferrari beat the English rival team, McLaren, landing themselves in P3 in last year’s Constructor’s Championship.

Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 26, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. celebrates on the podium with the trophy after finishing third in the race Pool via REUTERS/Yuri Kochetkov

Despite Max Verstappen’s fierce 2021 dominance, Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are looking to turn the tables this year. The pre-season testing has also looked very solid for the team and saw both the drivers pushing their limits. Binotto also said, “No, this time I would not sign a second place in Sakhir. We want the best in every race and I think we will be competitive immediately. How much? Two tenths ahead or behind, I don’t know. Red Bull is very strong, maybe Max will be in front of us and the other – Pérez – behind,”

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There were also reports that the cost cap has upset Binotto. However, Binotto is now adamant on winning a title. He has expressed, “I am not worried about our development capacity, but about the budget limit. It will be a very important variable. We have overcome the ‘fear’ of the first laps, the car is reliable, now that fear has turned into a desire to fight.”

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 25: Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto looks on from the pitwall during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 25, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

Mattia might be right, as Ferrari has never looked this solid. As for now, being the favorites, they have a good changes of going head to head with Red Bull. Moreover, Mercedes’ new sidepods might backfire on them and Ferrari would look to gain the most out of the situation.

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As the season opener awaits us, fans are excited to see Ferrari fighting for the championship title. And fan favorites Leclerc and Sainz will look forward to winning their first championship.

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