With Formula 1 switching to an all-new car concept from the 2022 season, Ferrari has decided not to make any further developments to their current SF21. Furthermore, Ferrari director Laurent Mekies admits that Prancing Horses focused on the development of next year’s car.

The performance of Scuderia Ferrari has been exceptional in qualifying, notably during the qualifications at Azerbaijan and Monaco Grand Prix. Where Charles Leclerc secured consecutive pole positions.

However, it is the opposite on Sunday where the Reds cannot replicate their qualifying pace in the Main Race.

Watch Story: From Shocking Lewis Hamilton Crash to Ferrari Pit Stop Blunder: Most Sensational Moments in Bahrain GP History

What did Laurent Mekies say?

Ahead of the French Grand Prix, Ferrari Director Laurent Mekies revealed the Maranello-based team have made their intention clear to focus entirely upon the next year’s car, and are not developing this year’s car any further.

“From a car development point of view, we have already made our decisions. It is all on 2022, and there will be no real upgrade coming to improve these weaknesses [on the SF21],” said Ferrari’s Racing Director and Head of Track Area, Laurent Mekies.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team

April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, the French engineer admitted Ferrari will continue to work upon their current SF21 to identify its weaknesses.

“You can always work on [the issues] by simply understanding them better, and if you understand them better – either because you correlate them better or you simply understand what are the reasons for which we are performing a bit less in those conditions – it can open the door to solutions that you can already apply,” added Mekies.

“And that’s why for us, even though the car is the same as the previous races, it’s still a good challenge to come here after a few races where we have enjoyed a lot of slow-speed corners, but to see: how did we improve something, did we understand more? And this is how we try to battle with this weekend.”

Ferrari to compete with McLaren for P3

Ferrari are way behind the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship. And with the machinery they have at their disposal this season, it is quite unlike they would match the pace of Red Bull and Mercedes.

Therefore, Ferrari’s realistic opponent would be McLaren, who sits just two points behind the Prancing Horses at P4.

The primary objective of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz is to take P3 in the Constructors’ standings, the best finish which Ferrari could aim for this season.

“Roscoe, You Taking Notes?”: Mercedes Banter Over Lewis Hamilton’s Beloved Pet Crashing F1 Team Debrief

Can Ferrari compete with the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes with their new car next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.