Mattia Binotto says Ferrari has set itself the clear objective of beating McLaren to P3 in the Constructors' championship this season, a target that is spurring on the Scuderia.
The Scuderia outscored its top midfield rival in Turkey last time out, but McLaren retains a 7.5-point lead in the standings ahead of this week's US Grand Prix.
However, the fight is tense between the two teams for the final spot on the podium, thanks in large part to Ferrari upswing in performance this season.
Binotto has made clear to his troops what needs to be achieved this year and suggests the team's purpose is driving its energy.
"It’s certainly a target that we have already communicated to the team," Binotto said, quoted by Motorsport.com.
"I think everybody is on board with that. It would be great to finish third.
"I think even working with the clear objective by the end of this season, it’s important for us because it’s a way of working under pressure and being trained to that.
"So yes, our objective is to finish third at the end of the season."
©Ferrari
In Russia, Ferrari finally introduced its new hybrid system that will feature on its 2022 power unit.
Charles Leclerc spoke of marginal gains in Sochi, but Carlos Sainz, who was the recipient of the new element in Turkey, hopes the upgrade will help the Scuderia build a "little edge" over McLaren in the final leg of the 2021 season, and thus help its charge to P3 in the championship.
"You saw [in Turkey] we were quicker than McLaren," Sainz commented. "In Sochi, they were quicker than us. So I still believe it’s going to be up and down until the end of year.
"What this engine should give us, I think, it’s the possibility for the circuits where we are behind to be a bit closer to them, and in the circuits where we are in front, to be maybe a bit further up.
"This is what we were looking for since the upgrade was pushed forward, and what we hope is going to give us that little edge to try and make the fight a bit more complicated.
"[In Turkey] we managed to cut 10 points on them, which in the points we are fighting is quite a big cut.
"We are fighting and six races to go, anything can happen."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
McLaren arrived in Bahrain for pre-season testing determined to defend its status as Formula 1’s…
Nico Hulkenberg has given F1 fans a vivid image to ponder ahead of the 2026…
Under the pale winter sun of Barcelona and the desert glare of Bahrain, George Russell…
Peter Gethin, the man who secured perhaps the most thrilling win ever witnessed in Grand…
Aston Martin engine supplier Honda has publicly conceded what the timing screens in Bahrain had…
As the countdown to 2026 gathers pace, Oscar Piastri has reshuffled his inner circle –…