Ferrari ‘much better prepared’ for title battle in 2022

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto believes that after their ultimately failed title charges in 2017 and 2018, the team are now in a better place to be able to compete.

The Scuderia had initially challenged Mercedes at the front for two consecutive seasons only to fall away in the second half of the year as the Silver Arrows gradually edged ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.

But having learned the lessons of those near misses, Binotto is confident Ferrari can not only maintain their early-season form but build on it for the rest of this year.

They have been battling with Red Bull in a fight of their own at the front in the early races, Mercedes having been left with a lot of work to do if they are to force themselves into the mix.

Binotto highlighted the widely-held view that the development curve among the teams will be a steep one, but maintains the belief the team can sustain a challenge – if they play their cards right.

Mattia Binotto on Charles Leclerc: “I think he is simply demonstrating he is capable of fighting for the championship.

“No doubt he’s got the talent, he’s got the capacity. He is a very good racer and we are very happy with what he has proven in these two races.” #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZBUNQ6eLDY

— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) March 31, 2022

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