Recent results prove Ferrari’s development programme is working, says Binotto

A strong run of results for Ferrari in recent races is proof the team's develoment programme for the SF1000 is working, says Team Principal Mattia Binotto.

The Scuderia finished last year as runner-up to Mercedes in the constructors' championship, but spent the early part of this season struggling badly with a car that had slipped way down the F1 pecking order.

Binotto even publicly announced the whole concept of the car had to be "revised" as the team embarked on an ambitious programme to develop it into a competitive package - a programme that Binotto says is now paying dividends, especially at the last race in Turkey where Sebastian Vettel scored his first podium of the season, with Charles Leclerc one place behind him in fourth.

READ MORE: Vettel now comfortable with Ferrari SF1000 after 'difficult season', says Binotto

“It’s important for Ferrari doing well at the moment, we knew we have improved at the car, and if you look at the last races, we have improved our positions in the race,” began Binotto, who didn't attend the race at Istanbul Park as he was back at the team's Maranello base working on plans for next year's challenger.

“The car has become more consistent, and the car has become a bit faster. It’s great to have those results, as it’s great for next year, and great looking ahead for the next races,” he said.

In fact, Ferrari scored their biggest haul of points of the year in Turkey, leading to suggestions they could even overtake the three teams in front of them to grab P3 in the constructors' championship over the course of the final three races of the season.

READ MORE: Racing Point, McLaren, Renault or Ferrari – Who will win the fight for P3 in the constructors' championship?

“In terms of constructors’ positions, it’s not the end of the championship," added Binotto. "It’s encouraging. People have worked hard back at home, trying to understand the weaknesses of the car, and preparing them for next season. Those results are encouraging ourselves,” he said.

Ferrari are just 24 points behind third-place team Racing Point ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, but they also have Renault and McLaren ahead of them as F1 heads into the final triple header of the 2020 season.