Binotto: "Vettel overcompensated for defects of SF90"

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto stands up for Sebastian Vettel by not criticising him in the press. However, Binotto confirms he has told his four-time world champion that things need to improve. 

"We have to stay honest and tell him - we expect more from him," Binotto said. 

Charles Leclerc has finished ahead of Vettel in the last three Grands Prix. Ahead of the German Grand Prix, Leclerc has beaten Vettel in two of the three practice sessions and become favourite for pole position. 

Vettel is now just three points ahead of Leclerc in the 2019 Formula 1 world championship. Another mistake in the British Grand Prix opened the door for criticism, but Binotto says Ferrari must continue to help Vettel. 

“Of course Sebastian made a mistake in England, but he drove a strong weekend for that. The same applies to Austria. How can we help him? By being honest and making it clear that we expect more and that, for example, the qualification could be better," Binotto reported to RTL. 

“His strength is race pace, he has worked hard on that. He knows that too, I see a very concentrated Vettel and he is calm. He knows very well what could be improved and I am sure he will find his way."

“When we talk about drivers and their mistakes, we have to understand that mistakes are part of racing. I wouldn't even call it mistakes, but results from hard duels. I would even dare to state that Sebastian is pushing too hard and wants to overcompensate for the poor performance of the car."