Binotto to miss more races as Ferrari enters 'critical phase'

©Ferrari

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto will likely skip more upcoming races due to the Italian outfit entering a "critical phase" of its preparations for 2022.

Although his voice was heard loud and clear during the weekend, Binotto was not physically present in Turkey where the Scuderia boss' managerial responsibilities were taken over by the team's sporting director Laurent Mekies.

Binotto's absence at Istanbul Park was planned as part of the selective schedule that will unfold for the remainder of the 2021 season.

"Obviously the calendar has changed quite a lot since the very start, so I changed also plans, but certainly Turkey was one of these ones [that he chose to miss].

©Ferrari

"I will skip at least another two races before the end of the season. So at the moment, I’m planning to skip] Mexico and Brazil. But obviously let’s see.

"The reason is, as you may imagine, especially Mexico and Brazil overseas, it’s a long trip. While here back in Maranello there is a lot to do."

Like its rivals, Ferrari switched nearly all its resources early in the season towards its all-new 2022 car. As the design phase unfolds and production slowly begins, a "critical" period is underway.

Read also: Leclerc treats family and friends to 3-seater track day

"It’s an entire team to manage, both the chassis and power unit and the entire organisation," said Binotto. "And we are, in term of 2022 development, certainly in a critical phase where time is getting closer and closer.

"So I’m happy to be here. From the way I’m managing the race weekends, certainly on Thursday and Friday being in the office I can certainly be more focussed on whatever is happening back here in Maranello, while Saturday and Sunday is fully dedicated to the race weekend.

"Certainly I’m missing the networks in the paddock but Laurent Mekies can do a great job, and I’m very happy the way he’s managing the entire team when I’m not there."

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.