Ferrari has issued a stark warning at the end of testing as it insisted it will not be in a position to win the season-opening Australian Grand Prix with its current level of performance.
Speaking on the final day of Formula 1 testing in Barcelona, Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto delivered a damning verdict on its early season chances.
“I don’t think we’ll be in a position to win in Australia,” he declared. “Obviously, every team has its own issues, some with reliability, others with lack of performance, but in a race weekend anything can happen. But as of today, we’re not quick enough to be up there.
“I believe we are ready [for Australia]. Are we fast enough? No, we’re not, and I’m pretty certain of that!”
Some have suggested Ferrari is hiding its true pace and playing games by talking down its chances, but Binotto insists that’s simply not true.
“Honestly, I don’t know what they think or what they are saying. From my side, I know our situation and I think that’s enough.
“Are we trying to hide our speed? No, I don’t think so, we know our programme and how much fuel we’ve been running, but I don’t know how much fuel the others have been running with. I think all of us have different ideas of where everybody is, but honestly speaking, as I’ve repeatedly said, I don’t believe we’re yet quick enough to fight for victory in Australia. But the season will be a long one, we’ll work hard to improve and to be in a position to win races as soon as possible.”
Asked when Ferrari might find itself in a position to challenge for victories, he added: “I think it’s too early to say; first we need to get home and go through all the data we’re gathering here, understand what are our currently limitations and then see where we are in Melbourne.”
