The SF71H is the “most promising car” Ferrari has produced in the hybrid era, according to its Chairman Sergio Marchionne, as the team chases its first title since 2008.
Ferrari, having lagged substantially behind Mercedes between 2014 and 2016, winning only three races, surged back into contention under revised aerodynamic regulations in 2017.
Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel challenged for the title, taking five wins, but came up short amid driver errors and reliability gremlins with its SF70H.
Ferrari began the 2018 season with back-to-back victories in Australia and Bahrain, and also held strong race-leading positions in China and Azerbaijan before missing out on top spot.
The SF71 has spent 145 of this year’s 222 racing laps at the head of the field, with Vettel leading the most laps at each Grand Prix held so far.
The operation, which has also secured three pole positions from four, heads to Spain atop the Constructors’ Championship, four points clear of Mercedes.
Marchionne expressed optimism over Ferrari’s progress, and also the form of both drivers, with Kimi Raikkonen having taken a trio of podiums.
“At the end of the day, I know two things,” said Marchionne, as he briefly spoke about Ferrari’s F1 form during the company’s conference call to discuss Q1 financial results.
“[One is that] the car today is probably the most promising F1 car that Ferrari has had since I’ve been here in 2014.
“It is competitive, and it is competitive in a variety of circumstances.
“The thing that I find even more encouraging is the way in which both of our drivers have engaged, even Kimi has shown phenomenal vigour in engaging in this championship.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to prove this as we go forward.
“There are a number of developments that are obviously underway with the car which will become visible as we go through the season.”
Vettel holds second position in the Drivers’ Championship on 66 points, four behind Lewis Hamilton, while Raikkonen occupies third place, on 48 points.
