Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has downplayed Ferrari’s chances of fighting for the 2022 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship. The Scuderia impressed with their engine developments at the end of last season and have the tip to enjoy a good year at the track.
Other drivers, including McLaren’s Lando Norris, admitted they had noticed Ferrari’s improvement in the final races of 2021.
Carlos Sainz’s podium finish in the Abu Dhabi final could have been an indicator of what was to come this season.
Together with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari seems to have a dangerous duo and an impressive power unit, which could be a recipe for success.
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And earlier this month, team boss Mattia Binotto explained how far they’ve come from the disappointment of 2020 and expressed confidence they can make further improvements to the engine.
He told motorsport-magazin.com: “I think we’ve made a big step with Power Unit.
“Because if you compare it to the past, last year [2020] The Power Unit was our big weakness and we were way behind. If you look at where we are today, the developments are obvious.
“Successful with eight races to go was a great achievement from the team, who were aware of their responsibility and tried to work as hard as possible and introduce the engine as early as possible.
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“I’m pretty sure we can make more improvements. What I can say about the Power Unit of 2022 is: Believe me, there is a lot of innovation in it.”
Many have backed the Scuderia to close the gap on Mercedes and Red Bull this year and possibly even challenge for the constructors’ title.
However, Marko has made it very clear that he doesn’t see Ferrari as true rivals to Christian Horner’s Red Bull and Toto Wolff’s Mercedes ahead of the 2022 season.
“There is no reason to believe that Mercedes and we are not the favorites this year,” said Marko.
It is the second time since the turn of the year that the 78-year-old Austrian has taken a subtle dig at Ferrari.
He previously said of Auto Motor und Sport: “Mercedes and we have the potential, the people and the continuity.
“That speaks again for a fight at the highest level. Especially since there is no other driver like him [Lewis] Hamilton and [Max] Verstappen.”
Ferrari undoubtedly have something to prove as they head into the pre-season ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.
