Getty
16 LECLERC Charles (mco), Scuderia Ferrari SF1000, action during the Formula 1 Winter Tests at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Getty
16 LECLERC Charles (mco), Scuderia Ferrari SF1000, action during the Formula 1 Winter Tests at Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ferrari F1 are optimistic heading into the 2021 season. However, this optimism doesn’t necessarily translate to performance on the track. Despite having a top-class driver pairing in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, there’s only so much they can do with what is essentially a better version of last year’s machine, which was downright horrible.
At best, they might only be able to fight for the podium on a more consistent basis. But Ferrari’s president and CEO John Elkann reckons that they should be targeting wins.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Elkann visited the teams factory in Maranello a day before the team unveils its personnel. The Italian-American industrialist said, “The most important thing this season will be to demonstrate our will to win, through our commitment and dedication. We will have to pay attention to every little detail: it all adds up.”
Getty
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. F1 Grand Prix of Monaco. Circuit de Monaco in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Peter J Fox/Getty Images)
A win by itself may be a long shot. However, Elkann is right in saying that the team can’t afford to give up before the season even begins. They need to go into every race trying to get the best possible.
After all, the 2020 season did throw up two unexpected winners in Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez. Moreover, Leclerc himself put his car on the podium twice when that never seemed possible. With an improved car under Leclerc’s belt and a new driver in Sainz who will be chomping at the bit to impress at Scuderia, a win certainly can’t be ruled out.
Ferrari will be expected to finish behind Red Bull and Mercedes
Getty
RED BULL RING, SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA: Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
After a nightmare campaign, the onus is on the Prancing Horse to bounce back. The job won’t be easy considering how stacked the mid-field is. But for a team of Ferrari‘s caliber, they need to finish as the best of the rest this year and go into 2022, a season with new aerodynamic rules and plenty of opportunities, as a candidate for the title.
Anything less than that would be considered another failed season for the Scuderia.
Can the historic team snap out from its funk and take its place back at the front of the grid? We shall find out in due course.
Also Read: Ferrari to Unveil Dual-Toned F1 Livery for 2021 SF21 Challenger: REPORTS
