How Ferrari triumphed in the battle for the best in F1 in 2021

Thirteen years after the last decision in the last round of Formula 1, the teams involved were only able to follow this year’s battle from a distance in 2008. Ferrari and McLaren have no illusions about how things have changed. Neither competed in 2021 in anticipation of challenging Mercedes and Red Bull at the top of the field, with the regulations change for 2022 being the earliest realistic point that could occur.

But both teams used the year 2021 to lay a strong foundation for the future. Not only did they both hit important milestones and step up from last season, but they also fought a close, season-long battle that helped them toughen the fight; a forerunner perhaps to the title bouts that both hope to return to in the near future.