Binotto warns ‘no magic wand’ for 2022 success

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has said there is no “magic wand” that can guarantee future success for the Scuderia despite their improved fortunes in 2021.

In the season following their worst Constructors’ Championship finish for 40 years,Ferrarimanaged to climb back up to finish third in the standings in 2021 after overhauling McLaren to be ‘best of the rest’ behind Mercedes and Red Bull.

Binotto rated both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at eight out of 10for their season’s work, with the pair having combined well to ensure the Scuderia were at the head of the midfield in 2021.

However, Binotto said the trying years of late have shown the need for the team to be patient in their search to get back to the front, having been without a race win since the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix.

“They have taught us it is difficult,” Binotto toldSky Italywhen asked about their fallow years. “Not even in Formula 1 does a magic wand exist. It’s about working seriously, trying to improve continuously and you have to do it step by step. You have to be better than we have been.

“These two years have taught us the fatigue of not being able to compete for the best positions and to be patient. After all, we can’t say we are satisfied, and we are not happy to see others celebrating.

“So I say fatigue, patience and when it’s important, to improve in order to reach these goals and objectives of ours.”

Having been without a Drivers’ Championship since 2007 and a Constructors’ crown since 2008, it has been a long time since the Scuderia have headed the field over the course of a season.

Binotto admitted the team need to get back to the forefront of Formula 1 and while there were signs of encouragement with several podiums and two pole positions forLeclercin 2021, he emphasised the aim to compete at every round.

“For Ferrari to get back in front is our responsibility,” said the team principal. “As Ferrari, winning must always be the objective. An obligation is a presumption. In F1, nobody can say they will win before they even get on the track.

“In our DNA, however, there is the need to compete and fight for pole positions and victories every time. This is a goal the whole team has very clear. We are all working hard to get the team back to where it belongs, with the best.”