Due to Formula 1 completely changing the car for the 2022 season, teams face no hindrance in using old cars for testing for the upcoming season. As a result, Scuderia Ferrari used their 2018 car, the SF71H, to test the much-hyped hybrid PU which they’ll put in their 2022 F1 car.

Earlier, it was speculated that Ferrari would use their 2021 car, something that didn’t sit well with the Italian team’s rivals.

According to a report, Red Bull and Aston Martin raised an objection with FIA against Ferrari using the SF21 for testing. Both the British teams felt the Italians could collect useful data for their new power unit if they test with the old car.

It remains to be seen what comes out of this objection officially. But considering the team from Maranello didn’t use the 2021 car and used the 2018 car should be enough indication of what came out of it.

Marko doesn’t believe in the Ferrari hype

Ferrari’s team principal, Mattia Binotto, had recently claimed how the Italian team has made a big leap in the PU department. “I think we’ve made a big step in Power Unit,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure that we can make further improvements. What I can say about the Power Unit of 2022 is: Believe me, there is a lot of innovation in it.”

Binotto’s comments come in a long list of recent reports and growing speculation that Ferrari might just emerge as one of the title contenders for the 2022 season. However, one big name from the 2021 season’s epic rivalry doesn’t agree.

Red Bull’s advisor, Helmut Marko isn’t really buying all the hype surrounding the Prancing Horse. Recently, the Austrian said, “There is no reason to think that Mercedes and we are not the favourites this year,”

And even before this, the 78-year-old had said, “Mercedes and we have the potential, the people and the continuity.” “That speaks again for a fight at the highest level,” he added.

Regardless, the answer to who is quicker, who has gained, and who has lost will be answered during the pre-season testing in Barcelona. But arguably, the one team that has the most to prove is Ferrari after a rebuild of two seasons.

Will their efforts come to fruition in 2022?

Also Read: Helmut Marko Brands Ex-Mercedes F1 Driver Valtteri Bottas a ‘Loser’