Competition "much more challenging compared to the past" - Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto claims the improved ability of rival teams is what makes Formula 1 more difficult in the modern day and not the complicated technical regulations.

Binotto has been involved with the Ferrari F1 effort since 1997 and climbed the ranks to eventually head the team in 2019.

Under his leadership, Ferrari is on course to finish in its lowest constructors' championship position since 1980, but when questioned by David Coulthard on the Heineken F1 Unscripted YouTube series as to whether it is more difficult to makes steps forward on the technical side than in years gone by, Binotto replied the real challenge comes from the increased ability of the rest of the paddock.

“I think, maybe that is my judgement, but I think that today the competition is very, very high," said the Ferrari boss.

"We have got very strong competitors, so it means that the level of organisations, the level of technical development, the level of commitment, resources is very high.

“And I think that, in that respect, the exercise is much more challenging compared eventually to the past."

Binotto previously warned it may take "many years" to return to winning ways.

Adding some meat to the comments, he added: “I you look at the Ferrari winning cycle, it took Jean Todt et cetera six, seven years really to start winning. It has been the same for Red Bull and Mercedes in the following years, but that’s down really to time, building an organisation, creating the foundations.

“So I don’t think today the technical [side] is more difficult. You’ve got always a challenge, whatever it is."

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