Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says the team must consider changing course to solve its problems after a “painful” Hungarian Grand Prix.
Though the Italian team got both drivers into Q3 for the first time this season in Budapest, Sebastian Vettel was sixth and Charles Leclerc 11th in the race, this after poor strategy left the Monegasque on the defensive.
Perhaps more symbolic of how far behind Ferrari is, however, was when race-winner Lewis Hamilton lapped Vettel in the closing laps.
And though the German himself claimed that wasn’t a surprise, Binotto acknowledged how hard it was for the Tifosi to see.
“An extremely disappointing Sunday and the result is very hard to swallow,” he admitted.
“In qualifying, we had got the most out of the car as it is at the moment, but in the race that was not the case. To be lapped is very painful for us and our fans.
“Now we return home after this very long trip and we have to try everything we can to improve as much as possible in every area,” Binotto added.
“Everyone will have to analyse their work and have the courage to change course if necessary because the current dynamic is unacceptable. There is no other solution to fix this situation.”
While the Ferrari boss warned of a lack of performance back in February, even he admits being at times the sixth-fastest team on the grid in the first three races was not anticipated.
“I think we saw in Barcelona that we were not fast enough, but I think we were not expecting such a difficult situation,” he accepted. “It’s certainly worse compared to expectations.
“We are lacking speed on the straights, we are lacking speed in cornering. Overall, the car has to be improved in all areas. It’s as simple as that.
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“It will take some time. It’s not something that can be addressed in a few weeks,” Binotto continued.
“Patience will be required. As I’ve said, we need to improve in all the areas, we are lacking speed in all the areas. It’s not something that’s simple to address with a simple solution or package.
“It will take time. How long? I do not have the answer yet.”
There has been speculation that Ferrari is already considering replacing Binotto, with the head of the GT racing division, Antonello Coletta, one name mentioned.
While another report suggests the Scuderia could try and better support him by bringing in a new technical director, taking one of the roles Mattia holds.
What is for sure is the hierarchy at Maranello will have to see some progress soon or heads will start to roll.