Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne announced to unveil their car online for the next season on 22 February.
Marchionne considered his team performance as “embarrassing and unpleasant” in 2017, while he remained confident that Ferrari will hold-up to the people expectations in 2018.
“Given where we started from last year, this season we have taken giant strides forward,” Marchionne said during a Ferrari traditional Christmas lunch.
“Having said that, the second half of 2017 was…character building. We learned a lot over the past six months, trying to move forward and that’s the most important thing.
“From back in August of last year, when we overhauled the organisation, I totally believed that these guys, with Maurizio Arrivabene as team principal and Mattia Binotto heading up the technical side, would be capable of doing something amazing.
“We really believed we could do much more: but in 2017, we were unable to reach our objectives. That has also resulted in some changes to the organisation of the Gestione Sportiva.
“We can already see significant signs of change when it comes to the team’s production capacity. The important thing is to start 2018 with all this expertise and experience and to manage this organisation.
“I have no doubt that we will be competitive.”
Marchionne said he had faith in the capabilities of both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. He insisted that the team have an obligation to provide a car worthy of accompanying such a talent.
“Sebastian Vettel is a guy who studies a lot, studies himself and is committed, therefore, I think that we will see less of his emotive side. I think he has learned enough,” Marchionne said.
“I continue to maintain we have an obligation towards these drivers, to give them a car with which they can race the others.
“I think we gave them a great car in 2017 and so, from now on, it’s down to him.
“As for Kimi Raikkonen, I believe he is really great, truly talented and I have never doubted his abilities. I tell you, he’s a really top guy, otherwise he wouldn’t have taken pole at a track like Monaco.”
Ferrari finished second in 2017 season with 146 points lagging behind the Mercedes. The Italian squad is determined to win the title again in next season.
Marchionne deemed determined about it when he said, “We can settle the accounts in 2018.”
