F1 | Ferrari, Binotto: “Mercedes the best car, we had no chance of winning the title”

In an interview given to the German newspaper Car engine and sport, Mattia binotto discussed Ferrari's 2019.

A difficult season, where the Red team struggled in the first half only to recover at the halfway point, obtaining three successes: two with Charles Leclerc (Spa and Monza) and one with Sebastian Vettel (Singapore). The Cavallino team principal not only analyzed the last championship, but also spoke about the Vettel-Leclerc pairing and the future rules that will come into force in Formula One in 2021.

"After the winter tests the car was not fast enough – admitted Binotto -. We still don't understand what happened between the winter tests and Melbourne. Apparently we took a step back and the others improved. We then had to find more load step by step. The package brought to Singapore was important in improving cornering speed. However after that race we didn't have the fastest car in the race. We could have won many more races, but to get the title you need the fastest and most reliable car. We didn't have both. But we are not that far away. We need to fill this gap and it is possible".

The Ferrari TP, speaking about the aerodynamic concepts between the three top teams, recognized the great work done by Mercedes: “They had the best car and therefore got both titles. We had an efficient car, but obviously it wasn't enough. Ours is a pole-winning single-seater? The grip of fresh tires covers aerodynamic deficits. For this you pay for it on Sunday with increased tire wear. We must aim to be the fastest in the race".

The Italian-Swiss engineer also expressed his point of view on the controversies raised in recent races on the Ferrari power unit: "They probably used this circumstance to put pressure on us. It's part of the game to disturb the opponent".

On the Vettel-Leclerc line up: “We have a great couple. Our drivers are fast and ambitious. What happened in Brazil (the accident between the two SF90s, ed.) It must never happen again. There is a good atmosphere. They talk and exchange information. I don't think it's difficult to manage them".

On the 2021 rules: “The last package voted on was better than the first one presented to us. Even if it still doesn't convince us one hundred percent. There should still be some changes. Changes? I think they won't be realized until we start developing the car".