Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says Sebastian Vettel’s podium at the Turkish Grand Prix was “very important” after a “difficult season”.
Before claiming third in tricky conditions at Istanbul Park, the four-time world champion’s best finish had been sixth all the way back in Hungary.
In addition, Vettel had only scored two points in the preceding eight races, dating back to the Belgian GP in late August.
However, you would have never have known as the Ferrari driver made up eight places on the opening lap and kept Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen behind for a sustained period in the wet.
“I’m very pleased for Sebastian,” said Binotto. “I think a podium for him is very important. It has been a difficult season for him.
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“I think he has started being, at least now at the end of the season, [more] comfortable with the car. He is delivering better.
“He had a very good start, very consistent, with good pace. He was managing the tyres, managing to keep the positions, and holding the positions.”
Despite Vettel’s strong pace, his result did come with a bit of luck as teammate Charles Leclerc made a mistake entering the final three corners to allow Seb back through on the final lap.
But the Ferrari boss does hope it can be the start of a strong conclusion to their six seasons together across the final Middle East tripleheader.
“Overall, even on the last lap, he did well because he took the opportunity and it’s great for him,” Binotto continued.
“He just finished third, very close to Perez. But great, I’m happy for him. Still three races, and hopefully we will do as well in the next one.”
As for Vettel himself, he believes the key to the result was experience and not being stuck in the midfield pack for lap after lap.
“I think I’ve struggled obviously to squeeze the maximum from the car,” he said. “I hope in the next races we are closer.
“The races I think we’ve had so far have obviously been compromised because once you are in the back, you are sort of stuck.
“In the wet, everything is a bit different and you can…you can be lucky or unlucky, you can make a difference more than in the dry.”