Ferrari boss John Elkann has given an interview in which he defends Mattia Binotto even though he is clear-headed about the level of the Scuderia, which he says will struggle to become competitive again before 2022.
“Today we are laying the foundations for being competitive and returning to winning when the rules change in 2022. I am convinced of it. Binotto has the characteristics and skills to start a new winning cycle.” Elkann said.
No doubt, Ferrari has not been competitive so far with Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel. This caution can be explained by the structural weaknesses of the machine, with which we have lived for a decade and which the transition to the hybrid has underlined.
“We have had a series of structural weaknesses that have existed for some time in the aerodynamics and dynamics of the vehicle. We have also lost in engine power. The reality is that our car is not competitive. You saw it on the track and you will see it again.” Elkann said.
Elkann admitted Ferrari will leave Vettel and replace him for 2021 with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz. The Italian manufacturer is hoping that there will be a big change next season when the Scuderia uses a new engine.
“In the past 10 years we have had champions such as [Fernando] Alonso and Vettel, who have been world champions. But it is undoubtedly more difficult to rebuild a cycle and ask patience to those who have already won compared to those who have the future ahead of them.
“We are laying the foundations for building something important and lasting, and the contract we signed with Charles proves it: five years, never so long in Ferrari’s history.
“Leclerc and Sainz will make Maranello their home, will be close to our engineers. The new machine will be born with them.” he added.
