Ferrari will start a new Formula One season in just under two months. After the disappointing last year, the Italian formation does want to take the world title in 2023. It is by no means wise to declare that. After all, the ambition may be clear, but the feasibility is debatable.

The formation is trying to learn from last season. With the departure of Mattia Binotto, Ferrari wants to bring fresh energy into the team and take the final step towards winning the world championship. His replacement Frederic Vasseur, who came over from Sauber, should be the final piece of the puzzle, but as in many sports, it takes time for everyone to come into their own.

Binotto may have been ultimately responsible at Ferrari for years, but most of the mistakes were not his personal fault. Indeed, he is to be commended for giving the stable the best car on the grid in 2022. As that knowledge also disappears with his departure, the challenge only increases. Indeed, last race year a lot went wrong strategically and technically, which means a lot needs to be done behind the scenes to bring calm to the team. It seems to be the main task for Vasseur, although he will then have to work well with his team.

Ferrari needs to reduce pressure

Historically, Ferrari is the team that fights for the world title every year. In reality, however, things are different. It is not for nothing that it last ran away with a top prize (constructors' title) in 2008. Since then, it only managed to compete at the top for a couple of years, but never managed to beat the entire competition.

Ferrari's project will only succeed if it takes a longer-term view and communicates this to the outside world. The pressure on the Italians' shoulders simply needs to be lowered so that it starts to appreciate its own performance more and the team looks more positively to the future. Achieving this is not going to be easy for Vasseur, however, as the expectations from the outside world are still huge.

Tifosi and Italian newspapers

If there is one team that comes under pressure every year, it is Ferrari. First of all, it is the Italian newspapers that follow Ferrari very critically and leave no disappointing Grand Prix unused to criticise and cause unrest. In addition, Ferrari has to deal with the Tifosi, for whom nothing less than a win is good enough. It is a fact that Ferrari will have to deal with to go into the world championship in a healthier way.

It is yet another reason why Ferrari must ensure that its communication towards the outside world is clear. Looking at the ambition, it makes sense for a top team like Ferrari to go for the highest possible and be eager to take the world title, but for that it does Red Bull Racing and Mercedes wrong. After all, it may have a well-performing car, but ultimately team cooperation also plays a fundamental role for success. And that is much better in the two rivals.

Thrilling engine and enthusiastic drivers

Expectations at Ferrari are clear. Binotto was reportedly very enthusiastic about the engine for next season and the rest of the car has also been improved. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc do not hide their elation either. Both drivers feel they can beat Max Verstappen if the team does its job properly.

Should expectations actually come true, Ferrari is indeed a contender to beat the competition this calendar year. However, it can by no means be the favourite after the turmoil of recent months. It must therefore count on an intermediate year, although it will never say so out loud. For the team, it would be better if it gave Vasseur the peace of mind to add his own touches, building a powerful Ferrari for years to come. That way, the fans will still get what they have been hoping for for 15 years, with Ferrari also standing firmer on its feet.