Ferrari 'regained its DNA' with Mattia Binotto

Ferrari

Ferrari 'regained its DNA' with Binotto

What DNA is that, then?!

Matthew Scott

Monday 3 June 2019 10:53

Gerhard Berger believes Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has restored the Scuderia's DNA since taking charge this year, despite an underwhelming start to the campaign. Binotto's leadership has come under scrutiny as Mercedes have won all six races so far, but former Ferrari driver Berger says he is the right man for the job.

Having worked his way through the ranks of Ferrari's technical department, Binotto was placed in charge of the team following Maurizio Arrivabene's departure over the winter.

Binotto retains his technical director post, something that onlookers have suggested may be stretching him too thinly.

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There has certainly been an impact on the track. The SF90 is not as well-rounded as recent Ferrari challengers, while Binotto declaring Sebastian Vettel has "priority" over Charles Leclerc before a wheel had been turned this season has led to some muddled strategy calls in races.

However, Berger – who enjoyed two spells in scarlet during his F1 career – says Binotto's long history at Maranello should count for something as he tries to turn thing around.

"After the departure of [Luca] Montezemolo and [Stefano] Domenicali, Ferrari changed," Berger told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It was a team that I no longer recognised.

"With Binotto, Ferrari has regained its DNA, but it takes time to stabilise the situation.

"It is difficult to assess the speed of the car, but what is certain is that if the team wants to fight for the championship, they need to eliminate all the stupid mistakes."

Ferrari will hope that this week's trip to the Canadian Grand Prix brings greater fortune, with Vettel having won in Montreal 12 months ago and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve expected to suit their strong engine.