Reasons to believe in it for Ferrari in 2017?

At the end of season 2015, Ferrari, with his new recruit Sebastian Vettel, had concluded its championship as the first force of opposition to the Mercedes de Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, suggesting an even fiercer battle in 2016.

Twelve months later, Ferrari closed its chapter with a score without any success in F1 This year. Since the British Grand Prix in July, the SF16-Hs have only been on the podium twice (Vettel in Italy and in Abu Dhabi), offering a wide open door for Red Bull Racing to secure second place in the Manufacturers' championship.

If on the track the results are still pending, behind the scenes, Ferrari's 2016 season will not have been easy, notably with the departure of James Allison during the summer, replaced by Mattia Binotto.

Despite this mixed observation, hope remains present in Maranello. Confidence seems particularly given to the new management put in place in order to regain a rank more worthy of Ferrari.

“I think the change in August represents the start of the renewal of our sports management, commented Sergio Marchionne, president of the brand during the Finali Mondiali in Daytona.

We have to give them time. They work very well and we will see what they bring us, but I believe this is the solution. I have the greatest confidence in Mattia Binotto, given what he has been able to do in his career with Ferrari and what he is doing now to manage our technicians. »

Among the drivers, the state of mind remains similar, after a season far from the expectations of the Vettel – Räikkönen duo. The change in technical regulations which could redistribute the cards in 2017 offers possibilities according to the German driver.

“We all felt bad about the year 2016, explains the former Red Bull driver. We wanted to win, but we did not achieve our goals. However, I have reason to believe that in 2017 we will have a much stronger package. »

Kimi Räikkönen remains more measured in his remarks but recalls that pressure still surrounds the Scuderia. “It is difficult to say who will benefit the most from this regulatory change, admits the Finn. We have to focus on ourselves, because when your name is Ferrari the expectations are very high. »