Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc combine in 2019 hoped to raise Ferrari’s performance to a new level, after the Italian manufacturer really enjoyed a strong 2018 which saw them convincingly outshine Mercedes at a number of circuits. But in fact they failed to win the 12 races that they passed so far.
In the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Ferrari’s greater downforce was worth less lap time than usual because of relatively few corners. It could be seen how the Ferrari needed more steering lock through the slow corners.
Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto admitted Ferrari should have put more of an emphasis on downforce when designing its 2019 Formula 1 car, despite its increasingly gloomy hopes of pursuing Mercedes in this year.
“Hopefully what we can do is to have more downforce at a similar level of efficiency. I think that should be the two objectives,” Binotto said.
“I think we should simply put more downforce and be as efficient as we can. And then we need to use our downforce properly, which is in how can we set-up and have a proper balance on the car. I think there’s areas where we can improve and we should improve.” Binotto added.
“It has been a demanding start of the season, no doubt, for many reasons – having changed as well the organisation in January, it’s not an easy one.” Binotto said.
“So, overall, yes, it has been demanding, but I think if there is anything which is helping, it’s the team spirit we’ve got. As you know, when you are in difficulties, if you can feel the people around you are happy, supportive, with the right mood, it’s a lot easier.
“And if there is anything that makes me comfortable, it’s certainly the people around me. I think that is true for each of us, and I think that’s our strength at the moment.” he added.
Vettel sits at fourth with 94 point behind Lewis Hamilton in the driver standings so far. Leclerc, meanwhile, sits at fifth with 132 points.
