Ferrari F1 team "in the middle of a storm" but not in "crisis" - Binotto
Ferrari Formula 1 team boss Mattia Binotto admits his team is "in the middle of a storm" right now with its recent struggles, but denies it is in crisis
The Italian outfit endured one of its least competitive showings for years at the Belgian Grand Prix, as Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc both fell in Q2 and failed to finish in the points.
But while Binotto conceded its Spa slump has left Ferrari "disappointed and angry", he told Sky Italia that the performance needs to be put in context amid his belief that it was a one-off caused by track characteristics.
"I think it is wrong to use the word crisis for the moment we are going through," Binotto said.
"Certainly this is a very bad result within a difficult season that we are experiencing.
"But we knew it was coming, we saw it in winter testing, and then came the [car update] freeze and the impossibility to develop the car."
The scale of Ferrari's difficulties in Belgium have again prompted talk about whether or not the team needs to make major infrastructure changes to turn its situation around, following the creation of a new performance development department in July.
But while some have questioned whether or not Binotto is the right man to lead the outfit, he says everyone at Maranello needs to tap into the "bitterness and frustration" to achieve a positive reaction for its upcoming home races at Monza and Mugello.
"We all take responsibility for this situation," he said.
"I take that as team principal as well as all those who work in Maranello.
"We are all in the same boat.
"But although the team is in the middle of the storm, we are very united. There is no crisis, no tension.
"[Instead] there is bitterness and frustration in each of us. But I believe that this frustration must be transformed into reaction and determination."
Asked what message he would give to Ferrari's long-standing supporters, Binotto said: "We understand the fans. We are very sorry, we are the first to admit, and we are sorry for them too.
"What is happening, in fact, is that we have a car that has lost power, just as all the engine manufacturers have lost it. We more than the others.
"Last year the engine partly covered the limits of the machine, but this year it is no longer the case.
"The limits of the machine are emerging. On that point it is clear that we must improve."
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