Ferrari: Second place an 'important' result for Vettel

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has praised the performance of Sebastian Vettel following the German’s surge from last position to second in the German Grand Prix, saying it was “important” for his driver to gain a good result after not making it out of Q1 in qualifying.

Up until qualifying, Vettel and team-mate Charles Leclerc were the two fastest drivers in the practice sessions, but disaster struck only moments into qualifying for the former, who was forced to retire due to a turbo air issue.

He would subsequently start the race in 20th, only to quickly make up ground after Lights Out. While various other drivers crashed, spun, or dropped down, he remained consistent to claim the second podium spot.

“It was a very crazy, chaotic race. We are very happy for Seb,” said Binotto.

“I think it was important for him to have a good weekend here. It was very disappointing yesterday. Starting from the back of the field, what he achieved, is certainly a good boost for him.

“He was happy on the podium. We are very happy for him, and I'm sure that will help him for the next races.”

Binotto went on to say that he believes Ferrari could have challenged for pole position on Saturday if not for the engine issues which affected his drivers.

“Certainly what happened for us, yesterday, was completely unexpected. So it was not problems we knew from past races,” he revealed.

“Quite a shame. When it is happening on a weekend when you know you can be strong.

“On the positive, the car performed well on the track. The negative was the problem we had yesterday. We need to work on that.”

Overall, the Italian reckons Ferrari have been consistent over the past five races, which gives them increased confidence heading into the next race in Budapest. Even with that, though, he is desperate for the team’s first win in 2019.

“I think we've said since the start of the season, each single track is different,” he said when asked about Ferrari’s chances in Hungary.

“If I look at the last five races, I think on average we have been good enough which puts us in an optimistic mood for the season. But we still haven't won.”

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