Sainz & Binotto say Ferrari not current title favourite
Mar.24 - Ferrari must not believe it is favourite to win the 2022 world championship, according to Carlos Sainz.
It's advice that the Spanish driver's boss Mattia Binotto doesn't need to hear, because he is keeping his feet firmly planted despite the impressive 1-2 finish in Bahrain last weekend.
The Italian has his eyes firmly on Red Bull and Mercedes.
"We cannot forget that they are the world champions, they are still the favourites," Binotto is quoted by Kolner Express.
"We have to wait at least four or five races before we can talk about the world championship, but there's even more potential in the car."
It's a message of quiet confidence that is coming from Sainz, too.
"We cannot exclude anyone," the 27-year-old is quoted by Soy Motor.
"Mercedes is coming and Verstappen could have won in Bahrain. It will be a three-way fight. What we have to do is focus on improving the car, because we know that Red Bull and Mercedes are going to do that soon."
Some believe that while Ferrari's current driver lineup is one of the most impressive in Formula 1, a true title battle could spice up relations between Sainz and current championship leader Charles Leclerc.
"If one of the drivers is fighting for the world title, it will be necessary to set preferences," Sainz acknowledges.
"Ideally, we will both be at the top so that no other team can get in the way. But I want it to be me at the top."
First, though, Sainz knows he has to work harder to get comfortable with his 2022 car.
"I have yet to find the settings that give me confidence in the car," he admitted. "This is the first year that I feel like I'm really competing to win, and I'm going to really enjoy that."
As for Binotto, he thinks Ferrari's car development plans are well on track, even though Mercedes stunned the paddock with its 'no sidepod' solution.
"We also looked at that concept, but we opted instead for classic sidepods," said the Italian.
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Don’t worry boys it’s in the bag, all decided. Max and Lewis don’t get two million a race for nothing, they have to do as they are told. It’s the turn of the prancing horse.
Let’s face it if you were already a world champ and earning even more mega bucks would you give a dang?
Stroppy, tell me it’s not true, Flav will back you up.
Blo', I love conspiracy theories but it's a stretch to think that 10 teams and 20 drivers have agreed to rig the results. And, yes, no matter the prize when a racing driver puts on his hat he wants to win...every single time.
Look for RB to be mega strong in sandland and MB to have found some magic. I love the LEC/SAI combo and doubt the journo's can stir up s**t between them. They will race each other (and the other guys) and have fun doing it. I will repeat that this is the toughest season to forecast in a long while. IMO, still true.
Of course RB and MB will win races probably Alpine also they need prestige and the fans need excitement but one of the Ferrari boys will win the title. Ref my previous posts, money and power talks.
Can you assure me that Flav does not have a direct dial to the big M.
Remember you can’t call the crap that’s already gone down and is well documented a conspiracy.
Only needs four teams and 2-3 drivers, you work it out. Clue, they’re all awash with money.
I love that stuff, Blo', keep it coming. :)
It’s either going to be very bad for my health or very good for my bank balance!
It will be great to watch the players trying to act. Hornet can’t keep a straight face, the doc can’t help but talk crap, Max can’t act or even remember his lines to save his life, Sir can’t live with himself for getting involved,( the real reason for his winter silence) and will give all well almost all his money away to sooth his conscience, every one at Ferrari will.....well their Italian. Toto will be the next Pope.
Hope to be in touch again, much richer.
B
Ps RoR don’t encourage me, it’ not fair.
Time will tell.
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