Ferrari have had a decent F1 outing so far in 2021 after having endured a chaotic 2019 season, stuck amongst the mid-field pack. The Maranello outfit are currently in the middle of an intense battle with McLaren for P3 in the constructors’ standings.

And the end result could go either way. Hence, one might assume Ferrari will push a bit harder to make sure that they can secure what could be their first top-3 finish in 2 years. However, Ferrari’s team principal, Mattia Binotto, is looking at the big picture – the game-changing 2022 F1 season.

The Italian acknowledged that the entire team are set to sacrifice this season in a bid to churn more success out of the next season. So, what will be Binotto’s sacrifice?

According to Corriere, Binotto revealed that he won’t be making it to the Mexican Grand Prix or the Brazilian Grand Prix, both scheduled over consecutive race weekends in November.

What did Ferrari’s team principal say?

Binotto revealed that Ferrari’s development surrounding the 2022 F1 car has reached a ‘crucial phase.’ Hence, with his presence in Maranello mandatory, the Italian has no other option but to withdraw from the race weekends in Mexico and Brazil.

“I will also miss the GPs of Mexico and Brazil. We are in a crucial phase of the 2022 project,” he said. (Translated via Google Translate)

Despite the ongoing rivalry with McLaren, Ferrari do seem quite relaxed, thanks to their in-form drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Read More: Why did Ferrari Sign Carlos Sainz?

Can Leclerc and Sainz lift Ferrari up to P3?

The possibility of Ferrari finishing above McLaren this season is quite high. Yes, both the drivers are in blazing hot form, frequently scoring points and even podiums. However, on top of that, it is Ferrari’s latest engine update that could well offer the team an edge over McLaren.

With the new engine offering Ferrari an extra 10 to 12 HP and competitive straight-line speed, it looks like McLaren might fall short despite being ahead, as of the Turkish GP.

The race at Istanbul witnessed Leclerc pacing as quick as the front-runners, Bottas and Verstappen. Similarly, Sainz, who started from P20, eased his way up to P8 by the end of the race; he could have finished much higher if not for the slow pitstop.

Hence, after flaunting such a dominant pace in Turkey, can the Ferrari duo continue to punch above their weight in the United States? Well, only time will tell.

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