The F1-75 has been solid and quick in all the different conditions during the six days of testing between Barcelona and Sakhir, although Red Bull also made a big step forward with the aerodynamic updates they fitted to the RB18 on Saturday. .
Carlos Sainz was the fastest driver on Friday in Bahrain, while on Saturday Charles Leclerc was also in the lead until he was overtaken by Max Verstappen.
In Spain, Binotto insisted that Ferrari was still a “chaser”, because the favorites were still Red Bull and Mercedes, despite the undeniable good form of the F1-75, words that he still maintains after the Bahrain tests.
“We have focused on ourselves, it has been six positive days. We have been on the track constantly, learning a lot about the car, collecting a lot of data, correlating with Maranello, the wind tunnel and the simulator. That was the first objective, and I think we got it,” Binotto said.
Russell pointed to Ferrari as the favorite for this season, and Binotto spoke about it:
“In terms of performance it is very difficult to judge. I still think that both Red Bull and Mercedes are the favourites, they are the ones who won the drivers’ and constructors’ championship last year, they have proven to be very strong teams in the past and they still had a second of advantage at the end of 2021”.
“I think that at Ferrari we should at least try to be as close as possible. And if you look at the performance, as I said, it’s hard to judge. Honestly, I hope to be close,” added Mattia Binotto .
Despite his caution, the Maranello team principal admitted that Ferrari has shown it has the potential to be at the top in 2022.
“If we look at the last seasons, 2017 was a good season, 2018 was also a good season. 2020 was very difficult, and in 2021 most of the car was frozen.
“I’m sure we’re a great team, this year we want to show once again that we can be competitive again, that’s what we’re focused on.”
“There’s a lot to do, I think it’s going to be a very long season. Bahrain will be the first race, but there will be another 22 or 21 races after that.”
“I think developments throughout the season will also be a key aspect. We’ll see. It’s a matter of staying focused on ourselves and trying to do our best.”
Referring to his driver line-up, which gave very good results in 2021, he said: “I think they are very good and talented drivers, they are very fast, good competitors and they have a common goal.”
“I hope we can have a good year in that sense, last season they showed that they get along very well. I think that’s also important. Let’s start the season, enjoy ourselves and I hope they enjoy it too,” concluded the Ferrari man .
