Ferrari was the only team to win a race other than Red Bull in the 2023 Formula 1 season, but they were far from the intended level – Carlos Sainz was their best driver in fifth place and finished third in the Constructors’ Championship behind Mercedes as well. Marc Gené, ambassador of the Maranello manufacturer, spoke about the initial indications for the upcoming season.
In an interview with El Mundo Deportivo, the former driver stated that it is realistic to see Ferrari closer to Red Bull this year: ‘Will we see Ferrari fighting for the Championship? It’s difficult, because Red Bull had a significant margin last year and they say that this year’s car is better. They are the favorites, obviously. To fight with them for the title is a bit optimistic to predict, but to take another step forward and be able to fight with them? Yes’.
According to Gené, the sensations in the simulator are encouraging and much better than in 2023, but he still remains cautious: ‘All we can say is what the simulator tells us, and what the drivers’ sensations are in the simulator. And it gives us better sensations. The track, of course, is the one that rules – the final judgment. But it is true that at this point a year ago we were not completely convinced about the car based on what the simulator was telling us. And this year it seems very different. But we still have to wait and see the car on the track’.
