Binotto: Ferrari should have invited Hamilton earlier

      Mattia Binotto, head of Audi's Formula 1 factory program, shared his opinion on the current situation of the Ferrari team, which clearly did not start the season in the best way. Although after nine stages of the season, the Scuderia is in 2nd place in the Constructors' Cup, it is very far from McLaren, which has more than twice as many points, as well as race wins.

      At the same time, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclair and Lewis Hamilton occupy the 5th and 6th places in the personal standings, behind not only Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, but also Max Verstappen and George Russell.

      "It is clear that the speed capabilities that their car demonstrates on the track and the team's results are far from the level that Ferrari would like," Binotto, who led the Italian team from 2019 to 2022, said in an interview. Automoto.it – But I know every employee of this team very well and I know, that they are talented, capable and strong-willed people.

      They are able to improve the car and show good results in the future. I believe that Ferrari will have some more reasons to be happy this year. If we talk about Hamilton, then this is a racer who has reached a certain age. Maranello signed him to a contract when he was nearing the end of his career. Ideally, they should have invited him a few years earlier."

      Binotto also spoke highly of Max Verstappen: "If ever there is an opportunity to invite such a driver, I will be willing to do a lot for this, because in the coming years Max will remain the best of all. I think any team would like to invite him, but at the moment I'm happy with both of our drivers."