Ross Brawn slams 'third best' Ferrari

Ross Brawn has stated his belief that the 2019 F1 season is 'getting away' from Ferrari and that the Scuderia are currently third best despite Sebastian Vettel's second spot in Monaco.

A five-second penalty for Max Verstappen following a pit-stop incident with Valtteri Bottas handed Vettel second spot by default, salvaging something from a weekend which saw Charles Leclerc exit qualifying in Q1, before retiring from the race.

The result is a step in the right direction for Ferrari considering their problems this season, but Brawn offered a reality check to the Italian constructor, claiming that they are currently the third force in F1.

He said: "It was a difficult weekend for Ferrari, although it ended with their best result of the year.

Leclerc considering Ferrari exit after Monaco meltdown, Italian media claimsRead more

However, Sebastian Vettel’s second place came at the end of a race in which he didn’t play a key role, sitting behind Verstappen throughout but unable to really worry the Dutchman.

“It reflected a weekend during which the Scuderia was the third strongest team. That was predictable given what we saw in Barcelona, where the car struggled, especially in the third sector of that track.

“The season seems to be getting away from the Maranello team, but it’s not the time to give up and it must learn from its mistakes if it wants to move forward.”

Brawn also reflected on Leclerc's performance in the race, adding that the young driver's 'impetuousness' stopped him from a superb result from near the back of the grid.

He stated: "Leclerc for a handful of laps, he was truly spectacular. Then Charles went too far and paid a high price for his impetuousness. His reaction was understandable, however.

“It’s his home race and his first attempt at it with a front-running team. It was supposed to be a special moment but it ended only in disappointment."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 star Charles Leclerc could miss Spanish GP, faces 'hardest return in sport' with FIA health test

• 2 hours ago

Christian Horner hits recording studio to tell all about controversial F1 exit

• 3 hours ago

F1 News Today: Verstappen admits Mercedes and McLaren talks as Red Bull sign Raikkonen

• Today 11:44

Monza defeat may cost George Russell more than a trophy: 'That does something to a driver'

• Today 10:57

F1 has an 'AI agent' driver and he's about to become the youngest world champion ever

• Today 09:45

Lewis Hamilton made one big Ferrari mistake and now he is paying - 'Why didn't he get it sorted'

• Today 08:58