Ferrari, Binotto: “I am not alone, from above I have all the support, I continue to trust my men”

Less horsepower in the engine. And so? What are the errors in the design of this Ferrari?
“It was born to seek more downforce knowing it has a superior engine. Then there were the technical guidelines and we found a machine with high resistance to advance and few horsepower. The problem arose from the sum of the two things.

But is it possible to lose a second in a year, explains this “punishment” from the FIA?
“It is not a punishment because it has not only hit us: all the engineers have lost performance, some more and others less. In 2019 we cover the limits of the car with a motor.

And why didn’t you work to improve the framework?
“We did it, but still thinking about that power advantage, which then disappeared. And when we understood it, it was too late.

When did you know that you could no longer use certain systems on the power unit?
“Between the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, and when we could have started to correct, came Covid and the freezing of the rules and we found ourselves in this situation.”

Do you trust your team or do you need reinforcements?
Yes, but in F1 you are never satisfied. There is always a desire to insert new elements ».

Why should the same men who designed this car and the one before it build a winning one in the future?
Because they are the ones who in the last five years have gotten closer to Mercedes, coming to fight for the World Cup ”.

Much criticism. Which one bothers you the most and which one do you share?
«The superficiality of certain speeches. On the other hand, constructive criticism is welcome. ‘

Will 2021 be more like 2020 or 2018 when you were fighting for the World Cup?
“The next car will necessarily be an evolution of this one, due to the freezing of the rules. But there are opportunities: the engine will be completely new, it has been running for months in the bank, we are counting on it. These days, the World Council is voting on a major aerodynamic change, with changes especially at the rear. It is a possibility to explode.

Do you feel or have you felt in danger?
“Honestly, never, because I know I have the support of my managers. But I questioned myself, I reflected on whether I can be suitable for the role of team manager.

What conclusions did you reach?
“It could have done better in some areas, for example the technical reorganization could have been done earlier. But I believe that my 25 years in F1 and the knowledge of this company are key elements to do well in this profession.

Many say: Binotto is alone. The peaks are far …
“It’s one of the baddest things I hear. I’m not alone, I can assure you. I speak with Louis Camilleri several times a day, with President John Elkann regularly. I receive your advice, certainly your leadership style is different from what we were used to in the past. But I’m not alone, not really.

And what did Elkann tell you after the Belgian GP?
“I wanted to understand why we have done so badly, if we are regressing instead of progressing. Analyze and eventually support what is needed to improve.

You were born as a technician. But the only victory this year is political: it is not that the negotiations on the Pact of Concord have ended up distracting her from the direction of the team.?
“As a team manager, the first role is not technical. We are working on the renewal of Charles, on the signing of Sainz and on many other fronts. It may be that by dispensing with the coach we were not sufficiently organized with the proxies, but let’s not forget that I became a team manager without notice a year and a half ago. It takes time, all the winning cycles helped. If I think about the Ferrari of 1995 and the one of 2000, many things had changed. This reorganization will not be the last.

Is the team manager a job of learning?
Yes, like all trades. And it is the most beautiful stimulus ».

Why is Toto Wolff so mad at her and always talking about Ferrari?
“First, because we have different leadership styles, I never talk about each other. And then, since Ferrari is Ferrari, everyone wants to give their opinion. It also represents something special for him. Finally, because I am not one of the few who do not always say yes ».

Leclerc is strong and ambitious. Are you worried that you might escape in the absence of a winning machine?
«He grew up with us, knows the values ​​of Ferrari and is very close. He is part of a special family and he knows it. This year is important, I think one day you will be able to say: “Those difficulties have helped me.” He has the talent and is also growing as a leader in this difficult time. I often talk to him about Schumacher, who arrived in 96 and champion in 2000. He can repeat that path.

Vettel. If it were up to him, would you stay home waiting for a new job?
But no, this is his life. He is happy to compete. Not only that: at this stage she is showing how beautiful she is: the team has given her so much in recent years and she feels she owes a lot. His desire to help the season end better is strong. ”

Would you make the move to announce the end of the relationship so soon?
Yes, I am convinced of it. It wasn’t even that early, it was April. We love him and it was nice to give him the opportunity to organize. If I look at the facts I have not come across a demoralized Sebastian ».

Hamilton one step away from Schumacher’s records. Is it something that bothers you or does it just deserve applause?
“Applause, he is a formidable talent. But it is clear that I liked those primates.

Robert Shwartzman, Formula 2 leader on his debut. Is he from the Academy, is he the new Leclerc?
“He made a great start, but not only did he get pole and win, the next races will be important to understand.”

And what did Mick Schumacher take from his father and what didn’t?
«Will, commitment, curiosity and perseverance. Schumi’s father, however, remains one of the strongest champions of all time.

Racing Point Case: You are the only team left to carry out the appeal. Where do you want to go?
“We ask the FIA ​​for clarity and clarification. If we get them, we would also be willing to withdraw the appeal.

But meanwhile they run.
But it is more important to protect 2021 than this season, given how we are doing it. The clarifications are in that perspective.

In the new organization, Rory Byrne will take a more active role. He’s 76 years old, he’s been away from F1 for years, why should he give the right advice?
“He has never been far away, he has always helped us with passion and competence. In 2022 we start with a blank page and we need people with experience ».

What was the most important thing that Marchionne conveyed to you?
“Take risks and challenge the impossible.”

The best memory of your career at Ferrari?
“Victory of Carlos in Monza”.

And the worst mistake of the team manager?
“Having bad the design of this machine.”

How to fill the half empty glass of this Ferrari?
“We are part of an extraordinary story. El Cavallino will always be there to compete at the highest level. We are the team that is investing the most to get back to the top ”.