“Dreaming Is Possible” – Binotto Lays Down Fresh Challenge for Ferrari F1 After Leclerc’s Podium

Ferrari are undergoing a renaissance of sorts in 2021. Although they struggled throughout 2020, they are now directly competing with McLaren for third place in the constructors’ championship.

After a successful outing at the British Grand Prix, Team Principal Mattia Binotto believes their challenge for third is well and truly on.

Mattia Binotto believes Ferrari can finish ahead of McLaren in third this season

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz put in solid efforts throughout the weekend at Silverstone. While Sainz finished P6, Leclerc secured his first podium of 2021 by finishing P2 between both Mercedes drivers.

Ferrari’s performance at Silverstone went a long way in erasing those horrible memories in France last month, where both drivers struggled throughout the race. In fact, both drivers finished outside the points while both McLaren drivers finished P5 and P6 that time.

Many expected Ferrari to struggle yet again, given the new technical regulations come into effect next year, and 2020 was one of their worst seasons. However, after their weekend at Silverstone, Binotto believes the Italian outfit can take third place.

He said, “This Ferrari can reach third. It is our ambition, but our goal is to keep improving in every aspect. Third place would be the result of the work we have done. So while dreaming is possible, we must also be realistic.

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Binotto admits Hungary bodes well for the team

With the next race in Hungary, Binotto believes the SF21 is better suited for a track like the Hungaroring. However, he cautioned others from thinking they will be as quick as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton just because of their pace in Silverstone.

“The last few races bode well for our progression, and Hungary is a track that is better suited to our car,” said Binotto. “However, we cannot think of going there and thinking we are stronger than Verstappen and Hamilton.” 

“We go there to fight, because we have seen that every race has surprises.”

Despite Ferrari admitting their main focus is on 2022, finishing third is a real possibility for the Italian outfit. Although they are 15 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship, 14 races remain this season. However, in Lando Norris and an improving Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren seem to be getting stronger heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Will the Tifosi see their team narrow the gap to their British rivals at the Hungaroring? Only time will tell.

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