F1 News
Ferrari pace ‘was not good enough’ during British GP
- Bevan Youl
Mattia Binotto believes that Ferrari’s pace ‘was not good enough’ during the British Grand Prix after being unable to keep up with both Mercedes.
Charles Leclerc qualified third on Saturday, within a tenth of Valtteri Bottas who qualified on pole, but could not translate that pace into the race with the leaders, ultimately finishing third after battling with both Red Bulls.
Ferrari’s winless runs extends to 13 after another Mercedes 1-2 and Binotto feels that there is a lot to improve to battle for a win.
Binotto said (quoted by Motorsport Week): “We need to be capable of fighting for the first position at every single race whatever the circuit.
“It has not been the case [in Britain] and no doubt in that respect it’s disappointing.
“And after qualifying, I would say we were expecting a better result but the pace was not good enough and I think there is a lot to improve.”
Even though Leclerc finished ahead of both Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen Binotto is aware of the threat that Red Bull are becoming after their win in Austria and pace at Silverstone.
Ferrari has faced a renewed threat from Red Bull in recent races, with its advantage in the Constructors’ Championship owing much to Pierre Gasly’s difficult start to the campaign.
“They certainly improved, and if I look at the last two races as matter of fact they won in Austria and they have been very competitive in the race [in Britain],” added Binotto.
“I think our package and their package are very close and I think that the last two races have shown it.
“I think we are pretty close, I think eventually for us it’s giving us even more of a boost as we need to further improve.”