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

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].

"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.

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"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."

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