At the beginning of the hybrid era, a Mercedes conquered the top position in Formula 1, they did not let go of it. They became a dominant team like no other and have won every single driver and contractor championship since then. This seems to be coming to an end, however, as the Silver Arrows have been going through a difficult period lately.
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For the first time in the turbo-hybrid era, they failed to win four consecutive races. The team from Brackley is currently in second place in the constructors’ championship, 40 points behind leaders Red Bull. After the Azerbaijan GP, the Silver Arrows lost the lead in both ratings for the first time since the 2018 German GP.
And Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto believes the internal changes to the Silver Arrows are affecting their performance this season.
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What did Mattia Binotto say about Mercedes?
Binotto revealed that Mercedes made several changes to their team over the past season and therefore lacks stability within their team, which is why they seem to be struggling this year.
“If we look at Mercedes in the course of last year, there have been significant internal changes, with possibly revised roles and the signing with the driver (Hamilton), which only took place in February,” said Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto.
“I think they are signs of a distraction that led to the current situation.” (Translated with Google translator)
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 17, 2021. Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto during practice REUTERS / Guglielmo Mangiapane.
At the same time, he praised the Milton Keynes-based team.
“Red Bull did a great job. I think it is fair to emphasize that they are getting excellent results because, despite the difficulties, they can count on a team that has been stable for many years, ”added Binotto.
Ferrari is hoping for P3 placement in the constructors’ championship
After a terrible weekend at the Paul Ricard Circuit, the Maranello team recovered well at the Styrian GP at the Red Bull Ring.
Due to tire wear, the two Ferrari drivers did not bring home any points at the French GP. But the Reds celebrated a good comeback in Styria with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who finished P6 and P7 respectively.
And since the Red Bull Ring, as in 2020, hosts consecutive Grand Prix weekends, Ferrari will try to secure more points in the next race.
Formula 1 F1 – Styria Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – June 26, 2021. Ferraris Charles Leclerc in qualifying REUTERS / Leonhard Foeger.
Charles Leclerc started the race from P7 but was involved in an early incident when he made contact with Pierre Gasly on lap 1 at turn three, resulting in an early pit stop. The Monegasque rider fell back to penultimate place but made an incredible recovery and ended up in the same position where he started.
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Ferrari thus collected a total of 14 points, which means that they are now within reach of McLaren in the overall standings. Ferrari is currently in P4 in the constructors’ championship, 12 points behind its rival McLaren.
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The Maranello team is slowly improving and with the Austrian Grand Prix just around the corner they will try to close the gap to their rivals.
The post Lewis Hamilton’s F1 contract delay and “internal changes” hampered Mercedes: Binotto first appeared on monter-une-startup.
