Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has admitted that the Scuderia will not be able to close the gap to the front of the grid in 2021.

The Italian manufacturer endured a difficult campaign last year, finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship and taking just three podiums.

There have been reports that Ferrari have made progress with improvements to their power-unit during the off-season and Binotto said the team are “working very hard”.

“Honestly, the gap to the best team today is very big and we will not close it next year,” he said, as reported by GPFans. “But to win races, you never know what may happen during the season, during races, if there will be an opportunity, hopefully, we can get it.

“I do not have a glass bowl. Let’s wait and see. That is what is great about F1. There are uncertainties and we are working very hard to do our best, let’s see what will be the competitive level in March.”

Charles Leclerc will be partnered by Carlos Sainz next season, with the Spaniard replacing the Aston Martin-bound Sebastian Vettel.

Sainz has finished sixth in the drivers’ standings in each of the last two seasons and Binotto said that the 26-year-old is capable of picking up podiums.

“Hopefully, we see him on the podium, I am really hoping to see him on the podium,” he added.

“I think that is not depending on him but certainly on the car.

“If the car will be good enough, I think he is capable of doing strong races and will be on the podium.

“Again, I think he is a very young driver. The youngest line-up since 1968. Normally, we are doing such a choice not only for two years. It is because you are trying to create solid foundations for the future and looking at the long term as well.

“So we hope that Carlos will be renewed and be with us as well in the next years.”