This year marks the start of a long-awaited new technical rulebook for F1, forcing teams to pursue other aerodynamic concepts and to cope with the introduction of the new 18-inch tyres.
It will offer all teams the opportunity to take a big step forward, with Ferrari in particular looking to return to the front of the field after two years without a win.
The importance of this season’s new rulebook prompted Ferrari to suspend development of its car for 2021 early last year, despite the close battle with McLaren for third place in the constructors’ championship.
Despite ending its upgrade cycle early, Ferrari beat McLaren to third place in the final standings by 47.5 points as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz combined for five podiums and two pole positions.
At the top of the standings, Mercedes and Red Bull found themselves locked in a close battle for the championships last year that lasted until the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
But Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies said that despite the need for Mercedes and Red Bull to focus on their cars for 2021 because of the title fight, he doesn’t expect a major impact on this year’s prospects.
“I’m sure they had to improve this year,” said Mekies. “In either case, however, they are incredible organizations and just looking at the results is enough to see it.
“So I wouldn’t underestimate their ability to build a great car in 2022 for a second.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF90 mule
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“Yes, they had to spend more for 2021, but when you look at the results they have achieved over the last 10 years, you have to be very naïve to think that bridging the gap will be easy.
“Because ultimately you still have to close the gap. Even we look at the car numbers of 2022 compared to where we stand and if compared to where we stand X tenths are slower to these guys then we have to get across that gap plus the gap to them.
“So I wouldn’t worry too much about her.”
Ferrari has already promised that its car will feature “a lot of innovation” for this year, including a power unit that is “significantly” different from the one that will be used until 2021.
The team has not contested a championship since 2018, while its title drought dates back to 2008, when it last won the constructors’ crown.
