The much-awaited 2022 season of Formula 1 is all set to begin this week. Pre-season testing showed glimpses of the potential in what promises to be an exciting season. Out of all the teams, Ferrari are coined as strong favorites, but Mercedes and Red Bull are not far behind. And Mattia Binotto is ready to take up the challenge and battle it out for the top spot.

The Ferrari team principal speaks on the regulations, and what makes him believe the car can compete for the Championship. He also revealed his problem with Mercedes and his thoughts on the other challengers.

Mattia Binotto is Carefully Optimistic

Ferrari‘s run at the pre-season tests was eye-catching, to say the least. Charles Leclerc finished 2nd on the time sheet only behind Verstappen on the last day of testing in Bahrain. However, Binotto believes they are still not the outright favorites, and Red Bull and Mercedes will be involved in the fight to win the Championship.

However, the Italian came out with a statement that encapsulates their strong start to the season and underlines their ambitions. He thinks they are ready to compete for the race victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix.

He said, “No, this time I would not sign up for a second place in Sakhir. At every race we want the best: I think we will be competitive right away. How many? Two tenths in front or behind, I don’t know.”

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Binotto also believes that Red Bull will be their closest challengers in Bahrain. He added, “Red Bull is very strong, maybe Max’s will be in front of us and the other one behind.”

Ferrari will appeal against Mercedes, Says Binotto

Mattia Binotto is more than satisfied with the new regulations. He believes that the FIA’s aim to bring the grid closer is already in motion. The Italian stated, “The new regulation has achieved its first objectives: there will be more teams capable of winning”.

Mercedes took full advantage of the changes made to the regulations. The Silver Arrows displayed a completely new design to the car ahead of the Bahrain testing. They have also included a mirror on the aerodynamic parts and Binotto believes it is unfair.

Ferrari themselves had to change their design in 2018 because of a similar incident when they placed the mirror on the halo.

He explained, “Yes, because the Federation has always said that the mirror supports must have only a structural function. And incidentally, an aerodynamic feature: there is no reason to change orientation now. For these reasons in the past we have been prohibited from solutions.”

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New season, but the same old political battle between the teams. While Mercedes is looking to gain an advantage over the rest, Ferrari seems to be in a pleasant spot. Can Ferrari carry their pre-season form over the course of the season? Leave your thoughts in the comments.