Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has admitted that the Italian side have fallen behind their rivals in the political dark side of Formula One following repeated accusations their power unit did not conform to regulations in 2019 – claims Ferrari still dispute.
For so long, Scuderia Ferrari have been viewed as a political giant of Formula One. Reportedly with a power to veto regulation changes, the sport seems to be slipping from the grasp of the Italian manufacturer – a trend that noticeably began when Bernie Ecclestone left his post as the sport’s top man.
Typically, Scuderia Ferrari have steered clear of media interviews wherever possible, but a more open approach in recent years, especially with the introduction of Charles Leclerc to the team in 2019, has seen a change in attitude that, unfortunately for the Scuderia, has seen a perceived drop in their political game.
Speaking of their trials and tribulations in 2019, Binotto told Motorsport-Total.com, “We are not good enough in polemics. There are people who are better. They use the media to build up pressure. We have to understand how we can do this better and act better in the future, because that is part of the experience. It’s polemical for me. They point their fingers at us. It’s just about building pressure. You have to answer every question in interviews. There was a certain tendency, we have to live with that.” – he explained.
When the V6 Turbo-Hybrid power units were introduced to Formula One in 2014, Mercedes led the way comfortably but, in arguably both 2018 and 2019, Ferrari have had the strongest power output and the strongest chassis without taking the fight properly to their rivals.
Despite this, Mattia Binotto remains proud of the achievements of his team.
“I am very satisfied and I know that this will not happen in a year. In 2014, when the new format was introduced, we were miles behind our opponents. It was a long development until we could finally challenge them.” – the Ferrari boss concluded.
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