Ferrari in 2019 similar to Schumacher era - Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto says the Scuderia's current situation reminds him of the years before they began dominating Formula 1 with Michael Schumacher in the cockpit. Schumacher's arrival at Maranello sparked new life into the Scuderia, who dominated the early 2000s.

Pre-season strength in testing has given way to familiar territory for Ferrari, as Mercedes have overtaken them in performance to win all six races so far.

The 2019 campaign began with several changes in the team, including Binotto's promotion to team principal and Charles Leclerc replacing Kimi Raikkonen alongside Sebastian Vettel.

Binotto likens the situation to 1996, which saw Schumacher take a solitary victory before pushing Jacques Villeneuve for the championship the following year.

"I prefer the comparison with the 1996/1997 Ferrari, a growing team, with solid foundations," Binotto told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We too are a young team in the roles. And there is so much hunger. I see many similarities with then.

"Because of the vision, the desire to work, passion and talent that I find.

"I too am sorry for the beginning of the season, but we must continue to believe in the team.

"I know we are asking a lot of our fans, who deserve great joys, but today more than ever we need their patience and their support."

Asked if the absence of Schumacher in the cockpit was the crucial factor limiting the team's success, Binotto backed Vettel and Leclerc to deliver glory.

"We have a nice pair of drivers," he said. "On the one hand, the experience of Vettel and on the other a very fast young man like Leclerc."