The limelight is currently residing on the two championship contenders, Mercedes, and Red Bull. However, just behind the two top-runners, there are McLaren and Ferrari, who are also amidst an intense battle for P3 in the constructor’s championship.

There have been signs that this particular battle could go down the wire to the very final race in Abu Dhabi, similar to last season’s battle for P3 between McLaren and Racing Point (now, Aston Martin).

While McLaren found an impeccably strong rhythm early in the season and garnered as many points as possible, Ferrari are now very much coming at them. The gap between the two is already down to 6 points. Therefore, how long will McLaren be able to hold off the Maranello outfit?

Well, not for long! Ferrari’s team principal, Mattia Binotto, acknowledged that the Reds can defeat their rivals this season. And according to the Italian, the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix is holding the key to Ferrari’s hopes of finishing in P3.

“Mexico is perhaps the path that on paper could favor our package a little more,” Binotto told Motorsport.

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Ferrari boss confident of defeating McLaren

The latest engine update has certainly bolstered Ferrari’s hopes of easing past McLaren in the constructor’s standings before the final showdown in Abu Dhabi. Rightfully so, Binotto, too, is targeting the P3, as he reckoned Ferrari owns the perfect package to do so.

“At this point of the season, it is clear that we have a package to fight for that position. And I think it is also important for the team to focus on it as a goal for the races that are left and we want to achieve it,” he said.

Ferrari showed off their immense pace at Istanbul Park last weekend, with Leclerc almost clinching the team’s 6th podium of the season. Meanwhile, Sainz fought his way through the field to secure P8 despite enduring the terribly slow 8.2s pit stop.

Hence, after putting up such a dominant display in Turkey, Ferrari will be eyeing more such strong finishes over the approaching race weekends in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. But, can McLaren somehow find that extra bit of pace to defend against Ferrari?

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