F1 News
Binoto denies taking risk with repairs to Leclerc's car
- GPblog.com
Ferrari performed extremely well in Monaco this weekend, but the pole position of Charles Leclerc just could not be cashed in. After his crash in qualifying his car had to be repaired and on the way to the starting grid there was another problem.
No risks taken
"No, no, no" it sounded over the on-board radio. Leclerc noticed the problems as he made his way to his spot at the front of the grid, and the broken part turned out to be a connecting element between the rear axle and the left rear wheel hub. Whether the defect was as a result of Leclerc's crash remains to be seen, but according to Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto the team did not take any risks.
According to Binotto, the part would have broken anyway, even if the gearbox had been replaced by the team. "The checks carried out were correct," the Italian told Corriere Della Sera. "And even if we had replaced the part, it would have broken down. We didn't take any risks."
Thorough analysis
In the coming days Leclerc's car will be thoroughly examined at the factory in Maranello. "We will now analyse the dynamics more thoroughly. Could we have seen it? I don't know, and that is the question we will be asking ourselves in the coming days."
Still, Binotto thinks that even with a more thorough inspection in Monaco, the defect would not have been seen. "It's a hidden part, you can't see it, you have to dismantle some parts to get to that part." Whether the defect is related to the crash also remains to be seen. "In Monte Carlo you always take a dose of risk, how much he overdid can only be known by him. He always has an extra gear in qualifying, he's a great driver and I don't judge him negatively for this episode."