"The speed is real"

Former world champion certain: “Ferrari can win the title”

Can Ferrari go for the title this year?(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Mario Andretti is convinced that Ferrari can really upset Red Bull this season. On current form, the former Formula 1 world champion is certain that the title is even possible. 

"Now Sainz and Leclerc can take on everyone. I believe they can win more races and on this form they can even win the title," said Andretti with conviction after the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The speed that Ferrari showed there was genuine, the 84-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Mario Andretti has high hopes for Ferrari this season.(Bild: AFP/APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Rudy Carezzevoli)

"I saw a fabulous race in Australia, compliments to Ferrari," said the former Ferrari driver. Despite Max Verstappen's early retirement, the victory was by no means a gift. "Carlos Sainz in particular showed a phenomenal race," enthuses Andretti. 

"Encouraging signs"
The former racing driver is generally enthusiastic about the Spaniard: "They did everything right from day one in Melbourne, and it was great to see Sainz perform at such a high level just two weeks after his operation in Arabia." 

The 1978 Formula 1 champion is still expecting some close races this season: "Ferrari has moved closer to the top. I'm looking forward to seeing how that develops, but I can see encouraging signs"