Binotto hopes “important” podium will help Vettel end Ferrari career on a high

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto believes Sebastian Vettel is now “delivering better” and hopes he can build on his podium finish in Turkey to end his six-year Ferrari career on a high.

Vettel, who will leave the Scuderia to join the new Aston Martin team next season, has suffered a disastrous year struggling to get to grips with an under-performing car.

Recent upgrades appear to have moved it in the right direction, while Istanbul’s wet conditions allowed Vettel to run well and get into a position to snatch third when team-mate Charles Leclerc made a mistake on the final lap.

Binotto said: “I am very pleased for Sebastian. A podium for him is very important. It has been a difficult season for him, [but] I think he has started now to be comfortable with the car.

“He is delivering better and I think he made a good race, from the very start, very consistent, good pace, managing the tyres, and the very last lap he did well and took the opportunity. There are still three races and I hope he will do well.”

Despite recent improvements, Vettel is still set to post his worst championship finish as he currently sits 13th in the drivers' standings with 33 points.

Vettel believes the key to continuing to deliver in his final races will be improved pace in qualifying. He said: “The races we have had so far have been compromised because once you are in the back you’re stuck.

“I have obviously had a lack of pace in dry conditions this year so placed myself in the bad spot and it’s a very different race you have, you are in the middle or behind the pack. That has been key this year.

“It is very close where we are, and being two, three tenths down when it matters has a big impact. It’s something I don’t like, but I’m working on. I think it’s been a difficult year for many reasons and this is one of them.”

Before you go...

"Quality" of Sainz and Norris underlined by "sensational" Turkish GP - Seidl

For "chaos, carnage and drivers looking like idiots" watch another sport - Russell

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