Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne says Sebastian Vettel’s triumph at the Bahrain Grand Prix is proof of the team’s competitiveness in Formula 1 this season.
Vettel passed Lewis Hamilton at the start before overhauling pole sitter Valtteri Bottas through the first pit stop phase, before going on to register victory, his second of the campaign, having opened the season on top in Australia.
Vettel’s win lifted Ferrari back into the lead of the Constructors’ Championship, three points clear of Mercedes, and Marchionne believes its Bahrain performance demonstrates it will be a year-long threat.
“It is, of course, hugely satisfying to be back on the top step of the podium with Seb,” Marchionne said.
“More importantly, however, we are now completely confident that our victory in Melbourne wasn’t just a one-off and that we will be at the forefront of this World Championship until the last [round].
“We finally have a competitive car to count on and it is important to recognise the speed with which we implemented the developments demanded for each new race.
“All this is the fruit of superb work at the track and in Maranello, so my compliments not just to Seb for his achievements in Bahrain, but also to the whole team.”
Marchionne nonetheless cautioned that Ferrari cannot get carried away with its success, after winning two of the opening three rounds for the first time since 2008.
“We are well aware we have a long road ahead and know that if we want to get to the most important finish-line of all, we cannot stint on our commitment and focus for a second,” he commented.
