This year, Ferrari surprisingly fell to fifth place among designers and is far from having a dominant speed in terms of Mercedes. In Maranello, therefore, they have no illusions that they could take part in the battle for victory this year or next – they will not find an answer to their rivals in the short term.
“We are going through a difficult period that started a long time ago. We have not won the Constructors ‘Championship since 2008 and the Drivers’ Championship since 2007. Thanks to its aerodynamic capacity, Red Bull experienced a winning cycle, then Mercedes with its excellent hybrid engine technology capabilities.” states Elkann.
“We are not competitive this year due to design flaws. We have several structural weaknesses that have been around for some time in vehicle aerodynamics and dynamics. We have also lost engine power.” calculates.
Ferrari has built an uncompetitive car, which it will pay for next year due to the freezing of the rules | photo: Scuderia Ferrari
“The reality is that our car is not competitive. You saw it on the track and you will see it again. Today we are laying the groundwork to be competitive and return to victories when the rules change in 2022. I am convinced of that.” Ferrari President continues.
This will not happen sooner due to the freezing of the rules, so the fans of the red team will suffer next year as well. “It penalizes Ferrari a lot because of the miserable start. We have to be realistic and realize that structural weaknesses have been with us for a decade, which has made the transition to hybrids even greater.” Elkann explains.
“We have agreed to postpone the new rules to 2022 because we have agreed that this is the right thing to increase competitiveness in F1. We do not see the budget ceilings as limiting our ability to win. We see them as a challenge.” draws attention to the planned changes in the field of team financing.
Sebastian Vettel (left) will be replaced by Carlos Sainz from next year, together with Charles Leclerc he will form a new pair, which should see a winning cycle | photo: Scuderia Ferrari
“Our engineers, mechanics and pilots will find the strength and creativity in the bonds that will bring Ferrari back. Personally, I have never seen such a cohesive and strong spirit in the last 10 years,” Elkann praises the atmosphere in Maranello despite his sporting failures.
“Fans suffer as much as we do, but we know they are close to us. That’s why it’s important to be straightforward and honest. We have a long way to go … It’s important to work on and off the track in a coherent way, step by step to build such Ferrari as we wish, “ encourages further.
Some question the abilities of race team boss Matia Binott because of an uncompetitive car. But Elkann has it in him “Total confidence … he has all the skills and qualities to start a new winning cycle. He was at Ferrari with Todd and Schumi. He knows how to win and from next year he will work with two riders who are young and have the same ambitions as us.”
