Mattia Binotto has downplayed Ferrari’s recent qualifying heroics in Monaco and Baku, insisting the team’s consecutive Formula 1 pole positions are not representative of its true performance.
Despite qualifying no higher than fourth in the opening four races, Charles Leclerc claimed a surprise pole in Monaco, with Ferrari’s low-speed strength seeing it mix with usual pace-setters Mercedes and Red Bull.
Ferrari disputed any suggestions it could repeat its Monaco display heading to Azerbaijan, but Leclerc once again stuck his SF21 on pole.
The Italian outfit’s one-lap pace has proved a false dawn so far with its performance over a race distance a clear weakness, with Leclerc slipping to fourth in Baku by the chequered flag.
While Binotto is satisfied with Ferrari’s progress from its worst season in four decades in 2020, he conceded its back-to-back pole positions didn’t show a true reading of its current form.
“I think obviously there are two cars ahead of us which are still stronger, no doubt,” Binotto said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“It was great to have pole position both in Monaco and here in Baku, but I don’t think that is reflecting our true performance overall. I think there are two cars which are stronger.
“But we are progressing. We are progressing because eventually we are learning [about] the car, we are exploiting it better compared to the start of the season. And we know that there will be some developments coming in the future.
“So overall, I think that’s where we are. [In the race] I think we were hoping for a better pace overall, seeing the qualy.”
Ferrari left Baku scoring enough points to leapfrog McLaren for third in the constructors’ standings, albeit by a slender two-point margin.
Despite Leclerc unable to contend for victory in Azerbaijan, Binotto was happy with his and team-mate Carlos Sainz’s pace but also acknowledged how both drivers struggled when in dirty air.
“We knew that on the soft, we would have struggled,” Binotto said.
“I think as a matter of fact, we struggled the most with the soft. On the hard tyres, when in free air, and I think Carlos in free air pace was representative, we were competitive.
“Certainly we still need to improve our pace in the race, no doubt. But I don’t think that overall, we were poor in performance when in free air.
“We were suffering in the dirty air, which both drivers mentioned, and that’s where we need to focus our analysis.”
Comments.
Loading comments…