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Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
The 2022 season of Formula 1 is finally upon us. Last night saw the teams complete two free practices with the third practice and qualifying scheduled for today. Surprisingly, Pierre Gasly came out on top in FP1 while Max Verstappen topped the FP2 session. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s strong start to the season continued as they finished P2 and P3 in both the practice sessions.
Mattia Binotto is satisfied with the pace his cars are showing ahead of the all-important qualifying session. However, the Italian believes that Max Verstappen and Red Bull stand in their way. The potential of the car impressed Binotto, but they will hope to go all the way this time around.
It’s Red Bull vs Ferrari
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Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, believes Red Bull is their nearest competitors for the Bahrain GP. The Bulls have added some upgrades to the car towards the end of the testing in Bahrain. As a result, Max Verstappen had an impressive testing in Bahrain as he finished first on the timesheet on the last day.
The reigning World Champion continued his fine form into the race week as he came out on top in FP2. Speaking of the competition, Binotto stated, “The tests showed that we and Verstappen would be fast with Red Bull and the first two free practice sessions proved that.”
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto is seen in a protective face mask before the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Ferrari have a tough competition on their hands, but Binotto feels they have the drivers and the car to compete with Red Bull. He added, “We have two drivers who are mentally ready to do well for Ferrari and try to get the best possible result. They are in good shape.”
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The Italian is keeping his high hopes in check but is confident about his team’s prospects. He believes the competition is strong, and Ferrari is in a position to take the crown this season.
Ferrari have made huge strides, according to Mattia Binotto
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Last season Ferrari did not have the engine to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull. However, it is a different story ahead of this campaign. Binotto believes Ferrari has made an important step regarding the power of the engine. And he is not underestimating Mercedes as a competition.
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Formula One F1 – Pre-Season Testing – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 12, 2022 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during testing REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
He conveyed, “With the power unit we have made a big step forward, but we have to wait for qualifying. Today we got indications, but no results. It’s a good sign to see so many Ferrari engines there [at the top]. but I’m sure Mercedes also has horsepower to play with.”
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The team from Italy believes they are ready to take the throne from Mercedes this time. However, in the case of Red Bull, they have a competition they need to beat to achieve their ambition. Can Ferrari overcome their long World Championship drought? It remains to be seen.
