“I Think it’s Not Time”- Ferrari Boss Mattia Binotto Refuses to Blame Charles Leclerc for Styrian Grand Prix Clash

Ferrari had a disaster class during Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix. Both Ferrari cars were back in the pits within the first few laps of the race, due to a collision between Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel in the very first lap.

Going into turn 3, Charles Leclerc tried to pass Vettel through the inside but hit a curb and went flying sideways, into the back of Vettel’s SF1000. The result of the collision was a damaged rear wing suffered by Vettel, whereas Leclerc took considerable damage to the floor of his car.

The German headed to the pits immediately while the Monegasque did a couple of laps before realizing he could continue no more. However, Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto was reluctant to pin the blame on anyone.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto stresses on working as a unit going forward

Speaking to Formula1 after the race, Binotto said, “I don’t think there’s much to say to the drivers. It’s somehow a pain to conclude a race in such a way after only two laps.

“I think it’s the worst conclusion on a very bad weekend somehow, so a difficult weekend for us. I think it’s not time to look for responsibility or accuse, it’s time to work united. Back home we’ve got the right people to progress as soon as possible.”

Despite Binotto refraining from pointing fingers, Charles Leclerc openly admitted to his mistake. Leclerc had started the race in P14 after a dreadful qualifying session knocked him out of Q2.

His woes were compounded when receiving a 3 place grid penalty for allegedly blocking AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat during qualifying. The Monegasque even publicly apologized to Vettel and also revealed that the German wasn’t at fault in any way.

Also Read: “I F**ked Up” – Charles Leclerc Takes Full Responsibility for Sebastian Vettel Crash

As for Vettel, he started the race in P10, after a marginally better qualifying as compared to Leclerc. However, his retirement in today’s race leaves the 4-times world champion with just a solitary point to his name.

He’ll be hoping for a much better performance (and more luck) in Hungary.

Ferrari is clearly struggling this season but can they spring a surprise at Hungary? Leclerc has already done it once, last weekend, but can he or Vettel do it again?