Mercedes beating Ferrari ‘nothing new’ – Briatore

Ferrari has no chance. Ferrari's biggest mistake was not stealing Aldo Costa back from Mercedes
Ferrari has no chance. Ferrari's biggest mistake was not stealing Aldo Costa back from Mercedes

(GMM) Flavio Briatore is not surprised that Ferrari is struggling to beat Mercedes in 2019.

The Maranello team began the year with many believing it has the fastest car, but so far it is Mercedes with three consecutive one-twos.

"What's wrong with Ferrari? It's nothing new," former Renault boss Briatore told Italian broadcaster La 7.

"The car has been slow for eight years," the Italian said.

Briatore said Ferrari has taken a risk by appointing Binotto, also the team's "excellent" technical director, as the new team principal for 2019.

"With Binotto, they run the risk of not having a fully dedicated boss and also becoming lost in the technical area," he said.

And in terms of speed, Briatore said: "Nothing has changed compared to last year. They have not reduced the gaps to Mercedes.

"The usual repertoire of excuses already started in the first race. Mercedes will continue to dominate," he predicted.

Aldo Costa Formula One World Championships

No. Seasons Constructors' Champion Drivers' Champion Cars Engine
1 1999 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari N/A F399 Ferrari
2 2000 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari Michael Schumacher F1-2000
3 2001 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari Michael Schumacher F2001
4 2002 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari Michael Schumacher F2002
5 2003 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari Michael Schumacher F2003-GA
6 2004 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari Michael Schumacher F2004
7 2007 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen F2007
8 2008 FIA Formula One Season Ferrari N/A F2008
9 2014 FIA Formula One Season Mercedes Lewis Hamilton F1 W05 Hybrid Mercedes
10 2015 FIA Formula One Season Mercedes Lewis Hamilton F1 W06 Hybrid
11 2016 FIA Formula One Season Mercedes Nico Rosberg F1 W07 Hybrid
12 2017 FIA Formula One Season Mercedes Lewis Hamilton F1 W08 EQ Power+
13 2018 FIA Formula One Season Mercedes Lewis Hamilton F1 W09 EQ Power+
14 2019 FIA Formula One Season Mercedes Lewis Hamilton F1 W09 EQ Power+