Ferrari have been ‘beyond all expectations’ says Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto says even he has been surprised by the team’s performance in the opening stages of the 2022 season.

After two races, Ferrari have taken 78 points from a total of 88 available and both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have been on the podium twice.

The change in form comes after years in the doldrums as the past race winners were forced to watch Red Bull and Mercedes scrap it out up front while they languished in the midfield.

The 2022 regulations allowed for a change of tactic and not only is the Ferrari car performing but also the Ferrari engine, with teams like Haas exceeding pre-season expectations.

Ferrari’s performance in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain has largely been dominant with only Red Bull able to keep pace. Team principal Binotto admitted even he did not expect such a performance.

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“I can say in summary we have collected 78 points out of 88 available – we have scored more points than Red Bull and Mercedes combined!” he told motorsport.com.

#essereFerrari pic.twitter.com/fMxlhaYv6i

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 28, 2022

“I think we did well proving we are always competitive.

“The credit goes to a team that in three long weeks (we left for testing in