Red Bull v Ferrari title fight "game-changer" revealed

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has outlined what he believes could be the "game-changer" in the race for this season's F1 constructors' title.

The Scuderia has made the most of the sport's new regulations by pushing itself to the front of the pack, with Charles Leclerc taking victory in Bahrain before taking Max Verstappen all the way to the end of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The two teams have so far proven head and shoulders above the rest of the pack early on, with a genuine title fight from Ferrari providing excitement to F1's audience.

The last time the team was involved in such a situation was in 2018 when Sebastian Vettel led at the halfway point only for Ferrari to drift behind Mercedes in the second half of the season.

As to how his team will prevent a repeat this year, Binotto explained: "First, I think that keeping up the level of developments throughout the season is always a challenge, not only for us but for all the teams.

"It is true that our competitors are very strong in that, while as Ferrari, the last time we had this opportunity in '17 and '18, we lost a bit of ground through development.

"Since then, as for car design, we have improved our tools which are wind tunnel, methodologies, process and simulator and today we are much better prepared compared to the past to do the proper job in development."

Citing another major difference between the two campaigns, Binotto added: "We need to add that, compared to last time, we are working with a budget cap which will affect the rate of development.

"That is a key element. You know my concerns, that you need to make sure you have the right policy on that because it can be a game-changer in the fight."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

US star turned down Red Bull F1 contract: 'This is why I didn't sign it'

• 2 hours ago

Sky Sports F1 pundit stars in James Bond movie

• 3 hours ago

Red Bull copy Ferrari as major 2026 upgrade revealed

• Yesterday 21:56

'F1 used to be pure but the races were boring': Star claps back at Max Verstappen moans

• Yesterday 21:30

Mercedes beware: McLaren are bringing ‘a completely new car’ to the Miami Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:45

Commentators give Max Verstappen new nickname after 'impossible' Nürburgring move

• Yesterday 20:00