Binotto misses several races: 'Development for 2022 in critical phase'

Six more races to go and then the 2021 Formula 1 season will be over. Many of the teams and team bosses will already be thinking about the new regulations that will play an important role in 2022. Even Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto is busy developing the new car and will therefore not be present at the United States Grand Prix this weekend.

The focus has shifted to next year for many teams as the end of the season approaches. Binotto will miss at least two of the six races as he wants to be with the development process of the new car at the factory in Maranello.

"The reason is, as you may imagine, especially Mexico and Brazil, overseas, it’s a long trip, while here back at Maranello there is a lot to do, clearly much to do. It’s an entire team to manage, both the chassis and the power unit, and the entire organisation. We are in terms of 2022 development certainly in a critical phase, where time is getting closer and closer," explained Binotto at Formula One.

Binotto is not afraid to miss a few weekends due to his satisfaction with Racing Director and Head of Track Area Laurent Mekies.

"I’m very happy with how he is managing the entire team when I am not there, so I am very happy with that. I am being told as well that the flight to Istanbul was very bumpy, so I’m very happy to skip!" he joked afterwards.