Ferrari unveiled its new model, one with which it hopes to end its Formula One title drought.
Team principal Mattia Binotto and drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc attended the unveiling of the car, which bears the name SF90 in commemoration of the Italian automaker’s 90th anniversary in 2019. The three were accompanied by Ferrari president John Elkann and CEO Louis Camilleri.
“The car embodies the latest technology, reflects the new regulations coming next season and is the fruit of the enormous work and combined talent of everyone at the team,” said Camilleri.
The new vehicle wears the classic Ferrari red color with some touches of black and just a little white.
“I’m very excited and I can’t wait to get on it,” said Vettel. “I am very looking forward to this year. I think the team is on the right track and hopefully we will continue to improve ”.
“I want to win the World Cup. That is the mission and the reason why I am here ”, added the German pilot.
Vettel won the first two races of the 2018 season and started from pole position on three of the first four rounds, but Ferrari’s performance worsened as the year progressed, allowing Mercedes to enter its fifth consecutive drivers’ championship at the helm of Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari has not won a title since winning the 2008 constructors’ championship, and Kimi Raikkonen was the team’s last driver to win the title in 2007.
“Last season was the best for us in the last 10 years and we did not achieve our goals,” Camilleri said. “Those setbacks are never easy to digest, but I assure you that we look forward with strong commitment and determination.”
It will be Vettel’s fifth season with Ferrari but the first for Leclerc, who replaces Raikkonen.
“I am extremely excited to start this new adventure,” said Leclerc. “It has been a dream since I was a child. It is a very special day for me ”.
The season begins on March 17 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. AP