Sebastian Vettel claimed Ferrari are "seeing results quicker than anyone else in the history of F1" after running Mercedes close in the Canadian Grand Prix.
Although Sunday's Montreal race has been widely depicted as one Ferrari lost through their early decision to go on a two-stop strategy, Vettel has defended the team and their progress relative to F1's world champions.
Ferrari introduced an upgraded turbocharger and new rear suspension on to their SF16-H and qualified within 0.2 seconds of pole position for the first time this season.
The Scuderia have gone 13 races without a win since Vettel triumphed in Singapore last September and, despite Canada not representing their first missed opportunity of 2016, the German driver says he has "never had a doubt" they will come good.
"I know this car is a big step up and I think we had a mixed-up start to the season which was difficult because we were never really in the position to show what the car can deliver," said Vettel after moving back into third in the Drivers' Championship with his second runner-up finish of 2016.
"Especially because Saturdays here and there weren't great. So, I think this weekend was just normal. We had a great Saturday and great pace (in the race).
"So, really happy and happy with the progress the team is making. Again, I ask you to be a bit patient, a bit more patient. The team is on a great path, things are improving and I think we're seeing results quicker than anyone else so far in the history of F1."
"So, I think we're on the right track, it's a great team and I'm enjoying it a lot."
Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene admitted to Sky Sports F1 they had made the "wrong decision" by choosing a two-stop strategy after Vettel had vaulted into the lead at the start of the race.
"We overestimated the degradation on the tyres," the Italian said. "This is the reason why we called him in."
Having ceded track position to Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton made just one pit stop and won the race, with Vettel unable to catch him in the closing stages after his second service for new tyres.
Ferrari were accused in both Australia and Spain of losing race wins through bungled strategy calls - but Vettel has stood by the team's strategists, saying "I'm not a big fan of blaming anyone or anything"
"Strategy-wise I think we have a very, very strong team," the four-time champion insisted. "I wouldn't favour anywhere near to criticise them because the guys are really on the money and very strong, reacting very well and if here and there we maybe don't do the optimum, that's part of the job but overall I think we end up doing better choices than other people."