Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Contract Delay & ‘Internal Changes’ Hampered Mercedes: Binotto

One Mercedes took up the top spot in F1 at the dawn of the hybrid era, they didn’t let it go. They became a team dominant like no other, winning every single drivers’ and contractors’ championship since then. However, that seems to have ended, with the Silver Arrows going through a rough patch lately.

For the first time in the turbo-hybrid era, they failed to secure a win in consecutive four races. The Brackley-based team currently sit P2 in the constructors’ championship, 40 points adrift of leaders Red Bull. After the Azerbaijan GP, Silver Arrows lost the lead in both the standings for the first time since the German GP in 2018.

And Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto believes the Silver Arrows‘ internal changes are hampering their performance this season.

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What did Mattia Binotto say about Mercedes?

Binotto revealed that Mercedes made several changes to their team last season and thus lack stability within their team, which is the reason they seem to be struggling this year.

“If we look at Mercedes already in the course of last year there have been significant internal changes, with roles that may have been revised and the signing with the driver (Hamilton) that came only in February,” said Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto.

“I think they are signs of a distraction that has led to the current situation.” (Translated via Google Translate)

At the same time, he was full of praise for the Milton Keynes-based team.

“Red Bull did a great job, I think it is fair to underline that they are achieving excellent results because they can count on a team that has been stable for many years, despite having faced difficulties,” added Binotto.

Ferrari to hope for P3 finish in constructors standings

After a dreadful weekend at Circuit Paul Ricard, the Maranello-based team made a great recovery at Red Bull Ring in the Styrian GP.

Due to tire degradation, both the Ferrari drivers brought no points home at the French GP. But the Reds made a good comeback in Styria with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finishing P6 and P7, respectively.

And with Red Bull Ring to host back-to-back Grand Prix weekends, just as it did in 2020, Ferrari will look to secure more points from the next race.

Charles Leclerc started the race at P7 but involved in an early incident when he made contact with Pierre Gasly on Lap 1 at turn three, which resulted in an early pit stop. The Monegasque driver fell to the second last position but made an incredible recovery to finish at the same position he started.

This helped Ferrari to earn a total of 14 points, which means they are now within touching distance of McLaren in the standings. Ferrari currently sit at P4 in the constructors’ standings, 12 points behind their rivals McLaren.

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The Maranello outfit are slowly improving, and with the Austrian Grand Prix just around the corner, they will look to decrease the gap to their rivals.