F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Wolff blames Ferrari woes on decisions by "certain members"

Toto Wolff says Ferrari's current struggles are not good for Formula 1, but the Mercedes boss also questions the decisions made by "certain members" of the Scuderia.

From its position among the sport's top-three best front-running team along with Mercedes and Red Bull, Ferrari has slumped down the order this season, weighed down by the mediocre engine/chassis package of its 2020 car.

One year on from Charles Leclerc's dominant win at Spa - and several FIA engine-related technical directives later - Ferrari is but a shadow of itself this weekend in Belgium, with the Monegasque and teammate Sebastian Vettel painfully languishing in the second half of the midfield.

Wolff lamented the Scuderia's depressed state, insisting the Italian outfit "should be racing at the very front".

"It’s not good for Formula 1," Wolff said. "It’s not good for the competition at the front. I very much feel with all the Tifosi and employees of Ferrari for this lack of performance.

"Nobody, from the fans and the Ferrari people, deserves such a result."

The Austrian alluded to "the priorities that have been set in recent times, and where the lack of performance comes from."

"Actually, it’s wrong to say Ferrari’s priorities, because that drags Ferrari and everybody at Ferrari into this," Wolff added.

"It’s maybe the decisions that have been made within the team, from certain members of the team."

Last month, following the Scuderia's down beat start to its 2020 campaign and the obvious under-performance of its SF1000, Ferrari president John Elkann reiterated his "total trust" in team boss Mattia Binotto's ability to lead a resurgence.

"Because Mattia Binotto, who has been at the helm of the Scuderia for a year, has all the skills and characteristics to start a new winning cycle," said Elkann who has practically written off the 2020 and 2021 seasons and set Ferrari's sights on 2022, when F1 will usher in a new regulation.

"The reality is that our car is not competitive," Elkann admitted. "You saw it on the track and you will see it again.

"Today we are laying the foundations for being competitive and returning to winning when the rules change in 2022. I am convinced of it."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

20 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago