Binotto Reveals Why Ferrari Were Hurt Despite the Sainz Podium in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari faced yet another slow start to the 2021 F1 season, and it almost looked like, even with the signing of Carlos Sainz, the fortunes were likely to continue playing against the Reds. However, interestingly, from the Monaco GP, the tables turned quite drastically, with Charles Leclerc clinching two back-to-back pole positions.

Ferrari were just unstoppable from that point! Not only did they manage to outperform their poor 2020 campaign but also defeated McLaren to claim P3 in the constructor’s standings. As icing on the cake, Sainz further gifted Ferrari with a podium in the season finale at the Abu Dhabi GP.

Unfortunately, despite producing such a commendable finish to the season, Ferrari F1 boss, Mattia Binotto, admitted that the podium felt insufficient for the team, as they just gazed at Red Bull celebrating the world championship win with Max Verstappen and Mercedes celebrating the constructors’ win.

What did the Ferrari boss say?

As reported by Corriere, Binotto rated the 2021 season a ‘7’ for Ferrari and incremented the rating by an extra number for the two drivers, Leclerc and Sainz.

“Season of seven, for how we have grown, in a continuous and linear way, despite the frozen regulations. And the pilots deserve eight. But it is obvious that we cannot be satisfied,” Binotto admitted.

The other three missing numbers may have a lot to do with the fact that Ferrari failed to win a race for the second season in a row. Meanwhile, Alpine and McLaren, on the other hand, have managed to win at least one race each this year.

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It hurt to see others celebrate: Binotto

Binotto opined that even the Sainz podium did not suffice for the entire team in Abu Dhabi, as, with pain, they watched Red Bull and Mercedes celebrate their championship victories.

“Repeating the performances of this championship would be unacceptable, in Abu Dhabi it hurt to see the others celebrate,” he said.

“We will go back to fighting for wins and poles, just like Ferrari we cannot start still subdued. Cycles are built with victories. And we want to win as much as possible. But the World Cup is not an obligation right away.”

Overall, Ferrari are looking hungrier than ever for race wins, and this winless drought could finally come to an end by the forthcoming 2022 season. So, are set to witness the comeback of the Maranello outfit in Formula 1? We’ll know in time.

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