Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says there is “a lot to improve” with its SF90 in the wake of a challenging display for the team at Formula 1’s British Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc qualified within a tenth of a second of polesitter Valtteri Bottas but had already cautioned over raising expectations for the race, given Ferrari’s pace during Friday practice.
Leclerc’s thoughts were proved correct as Ferrari was unable to remain in touch with the lead Mercedes drivers, as its drivers spent much of the race battling the Red Bull drivers.
Leclerc took third spot, though finished half a minute down on victor Lewis Hamilton, as Ferrari’s barren run extended to 13 grands prix.
“We need to be capable of fighting for the first position at every single race whatever the circuit,” said Binotto.
“It has not been the case [in Britain] and no doubt in that respect it’s disappointing.
“And after qualifying, I would say we were expecting a better result but the pace was not good enough and I think there is a lot to improve.”
Ferrari has faced a renewed threat from Red Bull in recent races, with its advantage in the Constructors’ Championship owing much to Pierre Gasly’s difficult start to the campaign.
“They certainly improved, and if I look at the last two races as matter of fact they won in Austria and they have been very competitive in the race [in Britain],” said Binotto.
“I think our package and their package are very close and I think that the last two races have shown it.
“I think we are pretty close, I think eventually for us it’s giving us even more of a boost as we need to further improve.”
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