Flavio Briatore gives verdict on Ferrari’s potential for 2021. Briatore on Ferrari's 2021 season.

Is the glass half full or half empty? This is the dilemma that has gripped many Ferrari fans after the sixth and eighth places for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the first race of the 2021 Formula 1 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Maranello team has certainly shown an important step forward compared to 2020, highlighted above all in qualifying by the fourth place of the Monegasque, which could also have been repeated by his teammate without a few mistakes due to the adaptation to the new car. Historically, however, the Prancing Horse is used to fighting for podiums and victories, while at the moment only the third place among the manufacturers seems to be achievable – but certainly not without a fight.

This of 2021 therefore looks like a ‘Ferrari for reconstruction’, waiting for a future that the red leaders hope to be better. That there is still a long way to go for the Italian team was also confirmed by the former team principal of Benetton and Renault, Flavio Briatore. Speaking at Adnkronos after the Bahrain GP last Sunday, the businessman from Verzuolo also discussed about the situation of Ferrari: “The team will fight. But it will be difficult for them to make podiums this year if all others reach the race the end” – Flavio Briatore explained – “they will fight to be the third force in the championship. The order will be Mercedes, Red Bull and then Ferrari. However, compared to last year Ferrari has taken a step forward” – he added.

The sore point for Ferrari’s ambitions, according to Flavio Briatore, is still linked to the single-seater. The SF21 is a step up from the SF1000, but it’s not enough: “Those who can work and have room to improve could be Ferrari – added Briatore – they have two good drivers. Both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc did a good job, nothing to say, but the limit is still the car” . On the other hand, the manager’s position on a prominent former Ferrari driver like Sebastian Vettel was clear:”I saw him in a lot of trouble, he even hit a car.” – Flavio Briatore concluded.