codetower wrote: ↑04 Jun 2023, 20:16
So… I’ve seen here often, it’s been easy and somewhat common to bash on Binotto. He was too soft, too stubborn, made too many mistakes, and so on. But looking back, under his leadership Ferrari managed to get through the engine penalties with the sf90, did a better job with the new regulations than all teams except one with the F175, and managed enough of a correction from the TD39 fiasco to hold onto 2nd in the constructors. I, as a Ferrari fan for a few decades, at least felt we were going in the right direction. Sure, a few bumps… but improvement. I feel that now we are either standing still or going backwards. Mercedes was a broken team last year; Aston was not even close, now they’ve both leapfrogged us. And now even Alpine is on our heels. It just seems the team is more lost now since Mattia’s departure.
As it was mentioned, he was responsible for the design of the engine. It was his responsibility to do whatever he can to keep whatever aspect of its design was targeted by other teams and FIA. You think everything was 100% legal on Mercedes engines? Remember 2013 and Mercedes illegal tyre test with 2013 cars? The one that gave them a massive competitive advantage? Brawn stood up, confronted the FIA and argued they didn't break the rules. FIA crumbled and Mercedes had the advantage in their pocket and this was vital for their 8 WCC efforts.
So with all of that and the embarrassment that was the 2020 season (even with c19 lockdown striking Italy the hardest), what did Ferrari do under his leadership regarding TD39? Nothing. They turned on their backs like puppies and allowed Mercedes to bring them down. If they weren't aware how much it will hurt them, then that's another proof they simply lucked into perfect early-season setup for F1-75. Hard to say what's worse of the two...
The biggest problem for them at this point is that they don't have a TD and they need one ASAP. Cardille is not up to the task clearly, Sanchez is out. No idea who they should bring, but if they don't they can write off the next two seasons already. They should have the decency to release Leclerc and Sainz from their contracts early if they don't bring anyone new for TD any time soon.