Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto says stewards at the Austrian Grand Prix made the “wrong decision” regarding the race-winning overtake.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led the majority of the race at Spielberg but he was reeled in during the closing stages by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Verstappen passed Leclerc on lap 69 of 71 through Turn 3 but stewards investigated whether he had forced the Ferrari driver off-track through the exit of the corner.
After a lengthy deliberation the stewards concluded that no further action was necessary, ensuring Verstappen keeps the victory, with Leclerc second.
“What’s Ferrari’s opinion and position? We still believe that this is a wrong decision, that’s our own opinion,” said Binotto.
“We believe that Charles leaves the entire space, he had no fault, a collision has happened and he has been pushed and forced off the track, so we believe these are clear rules which we may appreciate or not.
“And these are exactly the same rules which have been applied in past races.
“Having said that we respect fully the decision of the stewards.
“They are the judges, we need to respect that, and more than that, as a Ferrari fan – and I am ultimate Ferrari fan – I think it’s time for F1 to turn page and look ahead, other incidents and accidents that may happen in the race.
“As we often said we should leave drivers free to battle. So we may not be happy of the decision, we are not supporting the decision but somehow we understand the fact we need to move forward and overall that’s good for the sport and good for F1.
“So bravo to Verstappen, the victory of him, he did a fantastic race today, as Charles as well, Charles drove very well, but there will be new opportunities.”
Binotto confirmed that “it’s our decision not to do it [an appeal], as we said it’s good for the sport to turn the page and to look ahead.”
