Ferrari forget title with Mercedes 'two or three upgrades' better

Mattia Binotto says Ferrari's SF90 will not be as strong as Mercedes' 2019 car until it has received two or three more upgrades, putting any thoughts of title success out of the Scuderia's sights. According to reports, Ferrari will bring upgrades to the next three races: in France, Austria and Great Britain.

Ferrari were the team to beat in Canada last time out, although the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve suited the SF90's higher top speeds, and Sebastian Vettel missed out on victory regardless thanks to a time penalty.

Ferrari seemed the team to beat in pre-season, but Mercedes have left every race as victors so far, leaving Binotto and his technical team to go back to the drawing board.

"For a straightforward comparison in Barcelona between test and race, we have done worse for one simple reason," Binotto is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"We developed the car in the wrong direction, because we misjudged the weaknesses and limitations of our package.

"Our vehicle concept does not fit the 2019 tyres. The car is not one of the best in terms of maximum downforce.

"Since we lack downforce, we have difficulty warming up the tyres and keeping them in the window where they provide optimal grip.

"Do not expect a B version of our car. It'll take two or three upgrades before we're able to challenge Mercedes everywhere."

Although two thirds of the season remain to race, Binotto says thoughts of overhauling Mercedes in both championships have taken to the backburner.

"The title is not the question I'm asking right now," he said.

"The priority is that we recognize the problem correctly and react to it in the best way so that we can regain our strength as soon as possible. "

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