Charles Leclerc: There were too many mistakes

The Ferrari team made a number of mistakes at the Monaco Grand Prix, losing their chances of a winning double, and Charles Leclerc, who could have won his home race, finished only fourth.

Mattia Binotto, team leader: “Of course we are angry about this result. I fully share Charles’ feelings, he is very upset, because he was in the lead and only finished fourth. It means that we have done something wrong in making decisions.

We have to analyze absolutely everything, and of course we will. I think we underestimated Red Bull’s speed on medium tires at that stage of the race. We could invite Charles to the pits one lap earlier or one lap later, or maybe he should stay on track, keep on wet tires and then switch straight to slicks.

Obviously mistakes are possible, but it’s important to learn from them, try to figure out why they happen, and I’m sure we’ll start this process.

In addition, we at the Ferrari team are disappointed because there was a clear violation of the rules when both Red Bull drivers crossed the yellow line leaving the pitlane.

The wheels of their cars were on this line, and if you look at what it says in the International Sports Code, it says it’s interpreted as an intersection. In Turkey in 2020 we got a clarification to remove all such discussions, and if you also read what it says in the instructions the riders received before the start of the weekend it also says that you should stay to the right of this rule.

If the wheels of the car are on the yellow line it is generally a violation of the race directorate’s instructions and I believe it is the duty of every team to follow these instructions. The situation is not completely clear, we are waiting for clarification from the FIA ​​and we want to get it as soon as possible.

Charles Leclerc (4th): “It’s wrong to say the team let me down – sometimes mistakes happen, but today there were too many mistakes. Of course in such conditions you have to rely more on the team because we don’t see what’s happening on track, who’s on intermediate tires and who’s already switched to slicks.

I was asked if I wanted to switch from wet tires to slicks, I said yes, but not now, and suggested I do it a little later. I don’t understand why the team changed their mind and decided it was necessary to put in intermediate tires. We were overtaken by tactics, besides I got stuck in the pit lane behind Carlos – in general there were a lot of mistakes. We can’t afford to work like that, and it’s hard for me now, but I’m starting to get used to not having luck on this track.

Especially now this is not allowed, because we have a great car, and we have to use it as efficiently as possible. After all, I didn’t even finish second – I rolled back from first to fourth position. After one mistake, we immediately made the next. Initially the wrong decision was made, after which a complete mess started.

I love my team and I have no doubt that we will get stronger, but now I am very hurt.”

Carlos Sainz (2nd): “I think we handled the race well, at least from my point of view. I had to make tough decisions, like not to switch to medium tires and stay on track – that’s exactly what I wanted to do. This gave me the chance to take the lead in the race and fight for the win.

I would have won the race if the pit lap had been better, but there was a car in front of me for ten corners that was laps behind and wouldn’t let me through. This allowed Sergio Perez to beat me to a later pit stop.

Towards the end of the race his Red Bull’s Medium tires started to grit, but my tires weren’t in the best condition either. Maybe I had a little less trouble so I could stay close behind him and in a few situations I was about to overtake, but I struggled to keep the car on the track.

Frankly, I almost lost control of her and could well knock Sergio off the track. But I did everything I could to overtake him.”