Binotto sees intense winter ahead, because 'second never good enough'

©Ferrari

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Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto says a "very intense" winter lies ahead for Ferrari, because finishing second "will never be good enough" for the House of Maranello.

Save for Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc's ruinous clash in the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari has enjoyed a strong second half of 2019, validated by the Italian outfit's three wins and string of six consecutive pole positions.

However, the results still fell short of allowing the Scuderia to challenge Mercedes for the world title. But the team's relative strength will hopefully provide a springboard for 2020.

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"Abu Dhabi is the last race of what has been a long season for everyone," Binotto said ahead of this week's season finale in Abu Dhabi.

"For us at Scuderia Ferrari, it was a year of new beginnings, with team members taking on new roles and Charles in his first year with us and our aim was to build the foundations for the future.

"Of course, there were highs and lows: the first part of the season did not go the way we wanted, but I certainly value the way we all stood together, rolled up our sleeves and fought back.

"Particularly noteworthy was the way we reacted after the summer break, with three race wins in a row and a run of six consecutive poles positions, as well as our win in Monza, just days after the incredible celebration of the 90 years of the Scuderia, in Milan, in front of a huge crowd.

"Of course finishing second will never be good enough for Ferrari and we are looking ahead to a very intense winter to keep building as a group.

"The aim is to come back stronger to be up to the challenges that await us."

Vettel and Leclerc were likely put on notice last week by Binotto following their dramatic run-in at Interlagos, encouraging the two drivers to avoid tripping over each other again.

At stake however for Leclerc at Yas Marina is a possible run at third in the Drivers' standings, as the Monegasque currently sits 11 points behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.