Mattia Binotto admitted the result of the Hungarian Grand Prix was far from ideal for Scuderia Ferrari, with Sebastian Vettel sixth and Charles Leclerc eleventh at the Hungaroring, with the result leading to some changes behind the scenes at the Maranello-based squad.
Both drivers were lapped by eventual race winner Lewis Hamilton, must to the chagrin of the Team Principal at Ferrari, with Binotto saying they will need to work extremely hard in the small break between Hungary and the British Grand Prix next weekend to address the pace of the SF1000.
“An extremely disappointing Sunday and the result is very hard to swallow,” said Binotto. “In qualifying, we had got the most out of the car as it is at the moment, but in the race that was not the case. To be lapped is very painful for us and our fans.
“Now we return home after this very long trip and we have to try everything we can to improve as much as possible in every area. Everyone will have to analyse their work and have the courage to change course if necessary, because the current dynamic is unacceptable. There is no other solution to fix this situation.”
Binotto admits that Ferrari are in a worst shape than they expected to be this year, and they will be looking to address their issues whilst working inside the technical regulations in place for 2020.
“After three races, it’s clear that we are in worse shape than we expected and we need to react without delay,” said Binotto when talking to Ferrari.com. “The entire car project has to be revised, while taking into consideration the limits currently imposed by the regulations.
“I am well aware there is no magic wand in Formula 1, but we have to step up a gear to turn things around, both in the short and the long term. It might also be necessary to look at our organisation to improve and strengthen our working methods where the need is greatest.
“But first, as a team, we need to understand the dynamic that led to this situation.”
Post-race, Ferrari made the decision to promote Enrico Cardile to head a new Performance Development department, with Enrico Gualtieri remaining in charge of the power unit. Laurent Mekies remains as Sporting Director, while Simone Resta continues as the head of the Chassis Engineering department.
“As hinted at a few days ago, we are making changes to the technical side of the organisation so as to speed up the design and development on the car performance front,” said Binotto. “A change of direction was needed to define clear lines of responsibility and working processes, while reaffirming the company’s faith in its technical talent pool.
“The department run by Enrico Cardile will be able to count on the experience of Rory Byrne and established engineers such as David Sanchez. It will be the cornerstone of the car’s development.
“We believe Ferrari personnel are of the highest level and we have nothing to envy about our main competitors in this respect, but we had to make a decisive change, raising the bar in terms of the responsibilities of the department heads.
“We have said it several times, but it’s worth repeating: we have started to lay the foundations of a process which should lead to a new and enduring winning cycle. It will take some time and we will suffer setbacks like the one we are experiencing right now in terms of results and performance.
“However, we must react to these shortcomings with strength and determination to get back to being at the very top of this sport as soon as possible. This is what we all want and what our fans all over the world expect of us”.
