Binotto contradicts Hamilton: 'That's what I expect'

Lewis Hamilton let it be known during the test days in Barcelona last week that he is impressed by the developments at Ferrari and McLaren. According to Mattia Binotto, however, Mercedes will be back at the front next season, he told Speedweek.com.

While Red Bull Racing and Mercedes were far above the competition last season, that is expected to change completely this calendar year. Indeed, due to the new regulations, Ferrari and McLaren also seem set to be able to fight for the podium places, putting both teams further in sight of the world title.

Binotto, however, is reluctant to talk about winning the world championship. The Ferrari team boss knows full well that the Italian racing team has come a long way and that it is therefore inappropriate to be too ambitious. According to Binotto, Mercedes can put the pressure on Ferrari, but then forgets to name the facts.

Indeed, Binotto's expectation is that Ferrari will face another challenging season. "It was important for us to lay a good foundation," he looks back at Barcelona. "But we have a very long season ahead of us and I expect very strong competition from the first race.