2020 was Ferrari’s worst season in four decades, with the Scuderia finishing sixth in the Constructors’ Standings and its two drivers collectively scoring just three podiums from the 17 grand prix contested last season.
Their weakened power unit was clearly responsible to some extent for their lack of pace, with Ferrari and its two customer teams – Haas and Alfa Romeo – lapping slower than in 2019 on some power-hungry circuits.
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However, the chassis of their 2020 challenger, the SF1000, also wasn’t competitive enough to give them a shot of fighting for podiums on a regular basis.
Team principal Mattia Binotto wasn’t axed by Ferrari at the end of 2020, but some Italian journalists have speculated that he could be on the chopping block if the Scuderia doesn’t have a markedly stronger campaign this upcoming season.
Speaking this week, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he didn’t have specific advice to offer Binotto, but stressed that managing the “enormous pressure” that comes with being at the helm of Ferrari is very important.
“I see a company looking for stability that can guarantee competitiveness,” Domenicali told Italy’s Corriere Della Serre newspaper.
“I have nothing to recommend to my friend Mattia Binotto.
“At Ferrari, it’s about staying focused on priorities without being distracted by the enormous pressure that surrounds you,” he added.
Continuing, the former Ferrari team principal noted that the Scuderia’s success is important to Formula One, but emphasised that it is by no means the only thing that matters.
“The Ferrari adventure affects the entire sports audience, including myself,” he said.
“Hamilton who aims to become the only eight-title driver and in the meantime communicates his ideas, touches particular strings, attracts people further away from the competitive spirit.
“This is why I will meet all the drivers. It is important that each of them understand the importance of their role not only as a professional, but as a man who cares about what is around him,” Domenicali concluded.
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