F1 News
Binotto disappointed with Russian result but praises Vettel's performance
After the joy of the last three races, Ferrari were brought back down to earth in Sochi. Vettel retired and Leclerc finished third from pole and team principal Binotto has admitted he's disappointed with the result.
Having won the last first three races back after the summer break Ferrari gifted Mercedes another one-two and their first since Silverstone. After Vettel overtook Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the first corner, it was looking good for the Scuderia. However, Vettel retired with an engine failure after refusing to switch places with Leclerc.
Despite ignoring team order Binotto was actually pleased with Vettel's display but did admit his frustration with the end result.
"We are disappointed because we have not delivered the perfect job," Binotto said in is post-race review.
“To win, you need reliability and we missed that. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this season that something like this has happened.
“Before the race, as usual, we spoke to Charles about giving Sebastian a tow, because that would ensure that he could get ahead of Hamilton, so that we would be in the front after the first corner. However, Sebastian had a perfect start, allowing him to pass Hamilton right before the corner," Binotto said on Vettel's start.
“Sebastian was very fast and I am very happy with the way he rode. I keep saying: his strong point is the race and he proved that again through his pace. It was a shame to tell him to stop. We asked him to park the car for safety reasons, in principle, everything comes first."