Binotto: 'This frustration shows that we are on the right track'

Ferrari had a difficult year in 2020 where they were fighting in the midfield. Not the place you would expect this team to be, but this year things are looking up. Although they will not be able to compete with Red Bull Racing and Mercedes at the front, the gap is not that big that it is ridiculous. And team principal Mattia Binotto is very happy with that.

Missed the podium

In Ferrari's review of the past Grand Prix, Binotto admitted to being somewhat frustrated that Charles Leclerc did not make the podium. The Monegasque was on course, but a chasing Hamilton threw a spanner in the works just before the end. But the fact that there is any frustration at all about this also says something.

Binotto: "On a completely different track and in very different conditions to the first race of the season, this result confirms that the work we are doing is going in the right direction. The fact we are unhappy about not getting at least one driver onto the podium is further proof of that. We can definitely say the outcome of these first two races is a positive one."

Long time coming

It had been a good weekend for Ferrari in Imola anyway, as they had two drivers finish in the points. The last time that happened was in 2019 at the time of the Grands Prix of Japan and Mexico. Since then, of course, they have scored points, but each time it was only one of the two drivers. Binotto: "We must continue like this and show, race by race, that we know how to improve."

Finally, Binotto said of the SF21 that the car is working exactly as they expected. Nevertheless, they still have a clear goal while the focus is already partly on 2022. However, the season is still long and the best achievable position for the team is now third in the constructors' championship. They are currently seven points behind rivals McLaren, but that could be overcome in a single race.

Binotto: "Our objective for the season… is to still prove that we can progress in all the areas,” he added. “I think we can do it. It’s really a matter of mentality and I think more importantly it shows we are capable of progressing but… I am already happy with what we’ve managed to progress [and that] we’re in a tight fight with McLaren for third."