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Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. during the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. during the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
It has been quite some time since Formula 1 witnessed a three-way fight for the constructors’ title. Until 2019, the battle persisted between Mercedes and Ferrari, followed by Mercedes and Red Bull in 2020 and 2021.
During this period, Ferrari marched into a dark phase, enduring disappointments. However, since mid-way through 2020, the Maranello outfit has embraced quite a few morale-boosting changes, including a new simulator that works well with the 2022 regulations.
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Along with the factory makeovers, Ferrari also made a significant change to their power unit layout, which led to immediate performance gain in 2021. And that was a mere testing phase for the team, with more to come in 2022.
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Formula One F1 – Mexico Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – November 6, 2021 Head of Red Bull’s driver development program Helmut Marko with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez REUTERS/Andres Stapff
Hence, on paper, it almost looks like the Reds could finally find themselves right in the mix with title favorites Mercedes and Red Bull.
However, Red Bull F1 advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, is having a different opinion. The Austrian doesn’t believe that Ferrari can join the championship battle at the top in 2022.
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Red Bull’s Marko denies Ferrari threat
As reported by Formula Passion, Marko opined that despite the revolutionary changes, 2022 is unlikely to bring in an additional constructor rival amidst the imminent presence of Mercedes. Meaning, he is adamant Ferrari will not pose as much of a threat to the two leading teams.
“The new rules represent an unknown factor, especially as regards the diffuser. I think it will still be a battle between us and Mercedes,” he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
On the other hand, Christian Horner is not keen on giving any predictions over Ferrari’s level of threat in 2022. Instead, the Briton affirmed that he would like to wait and watch how the Reds look during the season-opener in Bahrain.
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Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. in action during qualifying REUTERS/Brian Snyder
“If Ferrari wipes out the competition then yes, it will mean that we have sacrificed 2022 to close 2021 ahead,” Horner said.
Overall, the varying opinions make it clear that 2022 is highly likely to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent times. Ferrari challenging for the title again is the talk of the town. But, let’s not count out other mid-field teams like McLaren and Alpine either.
How do you think the 2022 season will pan out?
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