Not a disaster if Ferrari concept is wrong - Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto insists it would not be a disaster if his team has gotten this year’s car concept wrong, as long as it is making progress as an organization.

The Scuderia delivered a strong performance in pre-season testing as teams got to grips with the 2019 aerodynamic regulations, with Ferrari’s front wing concept highlighting how it had focused on delivering an efficient car. Since then, Mercedes has out-developed Ferrari and finished one-two in the opening five races, but Binotto says the concept can be addressed as long as he has the right team in place.

“I don’t think it is a disaster by the time that you are improving as a team,” Binotto said. “As I often say, we are quite a young team, we are in the learning phase, and I think in terms of processes and methodologies there is still much to learn, and I am pretty happy that the team is improving.

“If it is a concept design problem, then it depends what it is and then we can address it within the season.”

Binotto admitted Ferrari’s weaknesses were exposed in the Spanish Grand Prix, where Mercedes enjoyed a comfortable advantage, and he says it is tough to put a timeframe on when his team can rectify them after having lost time in every corner.

“The limitation we got (in Barcelona) was present already in the first races of the season," he said. "They were there all weekend from Friday, and they were straightforward and obvious. How long it will take is difficult to answer. I think what is more important is to know how to address them, and then I’m sure we can do it quickly.”

While Mercedes appeared particularly strong in the low-speed final sector that shares characteristics with the Monaco circuit, Binotto says it would be premature to write off Ferrari’s hopes of being competitive in Monte Carlo.

“Monaco is quite a different circuit to Barcelona in the overall way you set up the car mechanically, and the tire compounds will be different to Barcelona," he said. "No doubt that downforce is useful in Monaco as it is in Barcelona, but I think our drivers can be good and go well in Monaco.”