Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto labelled the squad’s Styrian Grand Prix as “very painful” after Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided on the opening lap.
Leclerc and Vettel started mid-grid after Ferrari’s pace woes continued at the second round of the campaign but came together at Turn 3.
Vettel sustained substantial rear-end damage while Leclerc’s SF1000 was retired a lap later when Ferrari realised the extent of the floor damage.
Leclerc immediately accepted full responsibility for the accident and apologised to both Vettel and Ferrari.
It compounded a miserable weekend for Ferrari and meant the team was unable to assess the impact of the updates it brought to the SF1000.
Ferrari cancelled its post-race interactive press conference that had been scheduled to take place with written media.
“It is painful, very painful, to see both our cars back in the garage after just a couple of laps,” said Binotto.
“Incidents like this can always happen when you start in the middle of the pack and it’s pointless to apportion blame.
“It’s the worst possible end to a weekend that was already very disappointing.
“It’s true we took no real part in the race, but we can’t hide behind the collision that eliminated both cars.
“However, now is not the time for accusations. Instead, we must just get on with our work. Difficult moments can bring out the best in people and I’m sure that will be the case now.”
It leaves Ferrari fifth in the Constructors’ Championship while Vettel has taken just one point from the opening two races, his worst start to a campaign since 2009.
“I was really looking forward to racing today and had a good feeling about it,” he said.
“I didn’t get a very good start, losing a bit of momentum off the line. Then, it was very busy in Turn 3 and I was already fighting two cars.
“I had the inside line so I was not expecting anyone to try anything. I could not see that Charles was coming and unfortunately, I had nowhere else to go as there just wasn’t enough space.
“However, we are both mature enough to move on from this incident. It is very disappointing, but in my mindset I am generally optimistic and at least I don’t have to wait long to be back in the car, so let’s hope that Hungary will be a better place for us.”
