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Binotto on Ferrari drivers' clash: 'Not a time to accuse'

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto refused to apportion blame after Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel came together on the opening lap of the Styrian Grand Prix and destroyed their race.

An over-optimistic move by Leclerc on his teammate at Spielberg's Turn 9 spelled disaster for the Italian outfit as both drivers retired and crushed Ferrari's plan to race for a decent points haul in the 71-lap event.

Leclerc was quick to blame himself for the ill-inspired maneuver, but Binotto publicly refrained from singling out the Monegasque.

Ferrari drivers clash into retirement in Styrian GP!

"I don't think there is much to say to the drivers," Binotto told Sky F1.

"It's somehow a pain to conclude a race in such a way after only two laps. I think it's the worst conclusion on a very bad weekend somehow, so a difficult weekend for us.

"I think it's not time to look for responsibility or accuse, it's time to work united. Back home we've got the right people to progress as soon as possible."

In addition to missing out on a potential bag of points, Ferrari was also unable to race proof the updates implemented on its SF1000 at the start of the weekend.

"That is a shame," Vettel said.

"Obviously it was a bonus to come here with the same track, and today was very similar in terms of conditions. But we will not get that answer I'm afraid.

"The car felt a lot better on Friday, and back to where it was last week tip to the point where it went in the wrong direction, but it's a shame because also for the update, we would really like to get the race on the line and some laps to see where the car is.

"But unfortunately we will not get that answer."

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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.