Ferrari “better expected” from the “difficult” F1 Azerbaijan GP

Charles Leclerc stormed his second Formula 1 pole in a row in Baku and, unlike Monaco, was able to contest the race.

The Monegasque initially held his lead before being overtaken by Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton and Red-Bull-Max Verstappen as Ferrari battled for the racing pace, although Leclerc was still able to take a strong fourth place on the checkered flag.

Teammate Carlos Sainz qualified fifth, but crossed the finish line in eighth on a recovery drive after a costly mistake in which he shot down the escape road at turn 8 early.

“It wasn’t our best race,” said Binotto on Sunday evening in Baku. “I think we expected something better after qualifying because it was a difficult race.

“We weren’t perfect in many areas and I think the overall result is what it is, but as always, it can be a lesson we’ve learned. There are things that we can improve, I’m sure of that. “

Binotto acknowledged that Ferrari’s dazzling one-lap pace in Monaco and Baku – two unique street circuits where the SF21 excelled thanks to its slow cornering power – was not a true representation of the car’s performance after acknowledging that Red Bull and Mercedes are still faster.

On the subject of matching items

“I think there are obviously two cars ahead of us that are undoubtedly even stronger,” said Binotto.

“It was great to have pole position both in Monaco and here in Baku, but I don’t think that reflects our overall performance. I think there are two cars that are stronger. But I think we are making progress.

“We’re making progress because we’ll eventually learn the cars and make better use of them than at the beginning of the season. And we know there will be some developments in the future.

On the subject of matching items

“So overall, I think we’re here. Today we hoped for a better pace overall due to yesterday’s qualifying. “

Despite Binotto’s disappointment with the final result, it was enough for Ferrari to overtake McLaren to third in the constructors’ championship for the first time this season.

“Overall it’s still a good weekend and we should keep our heads up and [be] positive, ”he added. “We got a pole yesterday, which in my opinion was outstanding. Second pole in a row showing the progress of the team and the car.

“We’re finally third in the constructors’ championship, and that has never happened since the season was restarted. It’s only about two points, but it shows that we’re making progress. I think there are positives from the weekend, but as I said, there are sure to be things to learn again.

“Now we have three races in a row in the next few weeks, that will be important. So the team will definitely stay focused and focused and fight to get better in the future. “