2021 F1 title challenge "unrealistic" - Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has already dismissed hope of a title challenge in 2021 by describing it as "unrealistic".

The Scuderia heads into the new season on the back of its worst for 40 years after finishing sixth in the constructors' championship.

Although the car - that Binotto has already confirmed will be called the SF21 - will sport an upgraded power unit, he is not expecting a sudden resurgence from a team that will include new driver Carlos Sainz.

"What are we expecting from 2021? First, we need to be realistic," said Binotto. "The gap to the best team today is very big, and I think they will be very strong again next year.

"During the season I don't think they brought a lot of developments on track because they were focused on 2021 [in terms of a dual programme given the introduction of the '22 regulations], so I am expecting this team to be very strong next year.

"To say we can be back on track next year and battle for the championship will be unrealistic."

Binotto, however, is at least expecting to be challenging Mercedes and Red Bull on occasion.

"[Prior to this year]The team has been capable of finishing second in the past five years, except for one third," said Binotto. "We were the only team challenging Mercedes for the title, at least for a couple of years.

"So I think third is not fully impossible, and I think that should be at least our minimum objective for next season, but it will not be an easy job.

"Finishing third will be difficult because there will be teams like Racing Point who will be very strong next year. I think McLaren will be very strong again, they have an upgrade on the power unit [replacing Renault with Mercedes].

"Overall, I think it will be a difficult objective but still, I believe as a team we can, at least as a minimum objective, try to achieve it."

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