F1 News

Binotto reflects on wins but admits fighting for P1 might be hard!

Binotto reflects on wins but admits fighting for P1 might be hard!

16-09-2019 16:34

Ferrari finally won their first races of the season at Spa and Monza courtesy of Charles Leclerc, but Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto doesn't want to stop there. However, the Italian admitted the long straights at the circuits definitely benefitted the team.

Charles Leclerc won both of the opening two races after the summer break, claiming both victories from pole position. He survived late fightbacks from Mercedes on both occasions as he moved up to fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

It was Ferrari's first victories of the season, having endured a tough time in the first 12 races. In an interview with Autosport, Binotto knew Ferrari would be competitive in Italy and Belgium and identified why

"We knew that these two circuits were places where we would be competitive," Binotto said.

"It was not a guarantee, but benefiting from speed and having straights on the track, that was important for us. The fact that we have been able to use our strengths in these two Grands Prix, naturally makes us happy."

The Italian went on to admit that he does expect to be competitive at several races but was honest when it came to fighting for P1.

“What can we expect for the next few races? I think we can be just as good as in the first part of the season. It is important that we do not throw away any options as we did then. We will have races like in Bahrain and Canada, where we could still come along well. We also get Grands Prix where the weak spots of our car will prevent us from participating in P1. It is difficult to say which they are."

“The most important thing is that we are still developing the car and getting to know it better. In order to give our drivers the best options when they pass by."