Ferrari F1 Boss Mattia Binotto Set to Miss Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over Mystery Illness

Ferrari Formula 1 chief, Mattia Binotto, is reportedly missing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix because of a simple indisposition. According to a report, the team sources have clarified that it is not a COVID-19 related absence.

Binotto has missed a couple of races this season as a part of the preparation for the 2021 calendar. It is a record-breaking 23 race season, and it is important to maintain the right level of focus. However, Binotto appears to have become ill while he was in Bahrain.

He will not be going to Abu Dhabi and will directly fly back to Italy. In Binotto’s absence, Ferrari F1 sporting director will take the lead at Abu Dhabi. Laurent Mekies has already filled in on the weekends in Turkey and Bahrain.

Binotto said, “The factory is important, where we are developing the car and preparing the cars.

“When you are responsible for an entire team, certainly the race event is important, but also the entire management of the team is important.

“[When] increasing the number of races, there is a judgement that needs to be done to take care where you can on some engineers and technicians to eventually find a balance,” he further added.

Read More – Binotto Believes Charles Leclerc Can Save Ferrari Like Michael Schumacher

A tough season for Ferrari

Ferrari F1 has fallen down from the “big 3” team to the bottom of the mid-field. The team at a point in time was in contention for the P3 finish at the standings; however, some underwhelming performances in the last few races have knocked them out of the race.

The team has scored a total of 131 points this season with one more race to go. Renault is 41 points ahead of them at P5. There are 44 points up for grabs at Abu Dhabi. However, it is safe to say that Ferrari will most likely end the season at the P6 position.

Ferrari will see a change in their driving line up for the next season, as Sebastian Vettel is moving on to Aston Martin, and Carlos Sainz will take his place. The team will now focus on 2021 to make up for this season, hoping that the young lineup will take them back to podium finishes.