Mattia Binotto Blames Pirelli for Ferrari F1 Debacle at French Grand Prix
Follow Us
After decent outings in Monaco and Baku, many expected Ferrari to keep that run going today in the French Grand Prix. However, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished far off the points in P11 and P16, respectively.
Despite both drivers qualifying P5 and P7, they struggled to match the race pace of their midfield competitors throughout. After a disappointing outing in Le Castellet, Team Principal Mattia Binotto pointed at the reason behind their poor showing.
Binotto believes tire degradation ruined the race for Ferrari
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After a disappointing season in 2020, Ferrari looked to go through another season of struggle and hardship in 2021. However, the Italian outfit is well in the battle for third place with McLaren, with both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc putting in impressive performances across races.
Although they struggled in the practice sessions in Le Castellet, both drivers got into Q3 on Saturday. This continued their recent trend of displaying a decent single-lap pace after Leclerc took back-to-back poles in Monaco and Baku.
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco
April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, their biggest issue remains race pace, which saw them lose out on points today. In addition, McLaren took 18 points today after Lando Norris finished P5 and Daniel Ricciardo finished P6.
After the race, Binotto admitted that the changes made by Pirelli this weekend hurt their chances. He also believes the revised tire pressures affected the degradation of their tires.
The Italian said, “Pressures? Pirelli has increased those of the rear. In these cases it slips more and more graining is generated. There will be other tracks where we will be in difficulty due to the temperature and the asphalt.” (Quotes translated by Google)
WATCH STORY: Ferrari Strategy Fails We Will Never Forget
One of our worst races this season: Binotto
The outcome of this race made the 51-year-old believe this was the worst weekend for Ferrari this season. “We did badly not only compared to Barcelona, but compared to all the other races and also to what we saw on Friday,” said Binotto.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We had a bad race, outside from the points, a blow thinking about the constructors’ classification.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With McLaren taking 18 points, Ferrari fall to 4th place in the Constructors’ Championship, 16 points behind the Woking-based outfit. With the next race in Austria, the Tifosi will hope to see an improved performance from Ferrari on June 27th.
Why did Ferrari Sign Carlos Sainz?