Ferrari SF21 is 'exactly the same as in Bahrain' - Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has revealed that Ferrari’s SF21 is “exactly the same” as it was at the start of the season, claiming the team has made “very little changes” to improve it.

Teams have been juggling a development balance this season, with some choosing to focus all efforts on the radically changed regulations for 2022 and forgo developments in 2021, while others are trying to manage both.

Binotto explained: “The car itself is exactly the same as we had in Bahrain. Very little changes. The focus has been more on trying to exploit the maximum potential of the cars through the weekends.

“To somehow really make sure that in terms of race engineering and drivers through the weekend we are doing the right and proper job. That’s set-up, the way we approach the weekend, tyre management and strategy as well.”

Ferrari improvements down to good management

Last year was Ferrari’s worst in almost four decades, finishing down in sixth place with Sebastian Vettel’s third place in Turkey the only time it made the podium.

In contrast, this season has seen the team claim two pole positions and a second-place finish, with Carlos Sainz, in Monaco. More importantly, the team has scored points with both cars in six of the nine Grands Prix so far.

The team has typically been strong on Saturday then less so on Sunday, but that turned around in Austria and Binotto explained: “I think it’s more down to the track layout than a different approach.

“I think that our good grip-limited performance has somehow made the fact that we have a good race pace this weekend, but I don’t think it is down to a different approach.

“I think that since the very start of the year we have made progress. I think the team is more together, not only in terms of spirit but the way we are acting.”

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