Binotto: Vettel's spin more costly than Ferrari's F1 strategy

Ferrari Formula 1 team boss Mattia Binotto says Sebastian Vettel's spin on the opening lap was more detrimental to his race amid criticism from the German regarding the team's strategic decisions in Sunday's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone.

It was another tough day at the office for Vettel as he trailed home in 12th place and the four-time world champion was audibly frustrated and criticised Ferrari over team radio regarding its decision to pit him into traffic. 

While Binotto was sympathetic about Vettel’s struggles, he says the spin on Lap 1 was more costly than any strategic decision made by Ferrari.

"I don't think Sebastian has lost faith," Binotto told Sky Sport Italia after the race.

"He is going through a difficult time in qualifying and the last two races where he hasn't found confidence in the car. Here, he spun putting his wheels on the kerb, and his race was uphill.

"I honestly think there is little to say about strategies. We [were early] perhaps by a few laps with the call that made him lose the position to [Kimi] Raikkonen. However, we knew he would recover without losing time.

"It allowed Charles [Leclerc] to continue his comeback. Overall, it was the right choice for the team and we don't think we penalised Sebastian.

"He regained [the position] immediately on Kimi, he wouldn't have been able to do an overcut on [Daniil] Kvyat, because he was going as fast as he was at that time, and then he undercut [Carlos] Sainz.

"His race was compromised at the start, and I think that was the key, not the strategy chosen."

Charles Leclerc fared much better in Sunday's race, finishing fourth behind race winner Max Verstappen and the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Ferrari now sits third in the constructors' championship, two points clear of McLaren in fourth.