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“I Think it’s Not Time”- Ferrari Boss Mattia Binotto Refuses to Blame Charles Leclerc for Styrian Grand Prix Clash

Published 07/12/2020, 1:03 PM EDT

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Ferrari had a disaster class during Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix. Both Ferrari cars were back in the pits within the first few laps of the race, due to a collision between Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel in the very first lap.

Going into turn 3, Charles Leclerc tried to pass Vettel through the inside but hit a curb and went flying sideways, into the back of Vettel’s SF1000. The result of the collision was a damaged rear wing suffered by Vettel, whereas Leclerc took considerable damage to the floor of his car.

The German headed to the pits immediately while the Monegasque did a couple of laps before realizing he could continue no more. However, Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto was reluctant to pin the blame on anyone.

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Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto stresses on working as a unit going forward

Speaking to Formula1 after the race, Binotto said, “I don’t think there’s much to say to the drivers. It’s somehow a pain to conclude a race in such a way after only two laps.

“I think it’s the worst conclusion on a very bad weekend somehow, so a difficult weekend for us. I think it’s not time to look for responsibility or accuse, it’s time to work united. Back home we’ve got the right people to progress as soon as possible.”

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Despite Binotto refraining from pointing fingers, Charles Leclerc openly admitted to his mistake. Leclerc had started the race in P14 after a dreadful qualifying session knocked him out of Q2.

His woes were compounded when receiving a 3 place grid penalty for allegedly blocking AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat during qualifying. The Monegasque even publicly apologized to Vettel and also revealed that the German wasn’t at fault in any way.

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“I F**ked Up”- Charles Leclerc Takes Full Responsibility for Sebastian Vettel Crash

As for Vettel, he started the race in P10, after a marginally better qualifying as compared to Leclerc. However, his retirement in today’s race leaves the 4-times world champion with just a solitary point to his name.

He’ll be hoping for a much better performance (and more luck) in Hungary.

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Ferrari is clearly struggling this season but can they spring a surprise at Hungary? Leclerc has already done it once, last weekend, but can he or Vettel do it again?

 

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Written by:

Ronan Carvalho

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Ronan Carvalho is senior F1 author for Essentiallysports. Ronan is currently pursuing his Journalism degree from St. Xavier's College.
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