Today, Scuderia Ferrari presented their 2021 driver lineup for the Formula One World Championship season ahead.
Like the rest of the teams lining up on the grid this season, the launch had to take the digital path as the coronavirus continues to see large gatherings forbidden across the globe.
Members of the media, as well as over 300 fans, logged on to see Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz make their first appearance together as new teammates.
The event kicked off with a short film about this season’s new driver pairing, demonstrating the obvious and friendly chemistry between them.
After the film ended, Charles and Carlos were joined by their Team Principal, Mattia Binotto who started off by saying;
“2021 will be a particularly challenging year.
“After a difficult season last year, we know that we have to come good in this championship and it will be important to demonstrate our will to win, even though we know this will be a transition year, partly because the regulations do not allow us to substantially change the car and we will simply bring an evolution to the track.
“We have identified what were the problems with the SF1000 and we have improved the car in all the areas allowed by the regulations.
“We have a new engine, revised aerodynamics, and a modified rear end. We want to do well and can’t wait to take to the track and go up against our competition, to check how good a job we have done.”
Later on in the event, The Team Principal also spoke about the new driver pairing and said:
“They are young and similar in certain respects and I think they are very strong,” he stated.
“I know they can’t wait to go head to head on track, but I know they are both aware that, first and foremost comes Ferrari and its interests and so there is no hierarchy.
“If we were to be clever enough to become the dominant force in Formula 1, then maybe we can start to make certain assessments. But for the moment, there is no room for this sort of discussion.
“First we need to catch up with our competitors.”
Tune in on March 10 to get a glimpse of the SF21’s new look ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain on March 12.