In 2019, Scuderia Ferrari started the season with a strong car, thanks mainly to a power unit which was able to challenge the one of the Maranello team’s main rival. However, ever since Ferrari’s power units were affected by a 2019 technical directive, that clamped down on systems to circumvent FIA fuel sensors, the Italian side had a difficult time, while attempting to get back on par with Mercedes in terms of engine performance.
Despite many limitations, Ferrari was able to improve its engines in the off-season, and in the second half of 2021 it rolled out an updated hybrid system on the cars of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, in Russia and Turkey respectively.
After having to make a recovery race due to the grid penalties received for using a fourth engine, Charles and Carlos could have a better impression of the new engine in the United States Grand Prix, as both drivers found the upgraded package gave them a tangible performance gain. Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto feels the latest hybrid improvements from Maranello are a “big step” and now the gap to Mercedes is not as dramatic as it was in 2020.
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“The [additional] power is always available through the straightline, so you get the benefit from it at the start of the straightline and as well at the end,” he explained – “The way we can quantify that; if I look at this weekend, we’re running maximum downforce, but we’re somehow almost matching the speed of the others. Considering last year, how the situation was, it is certainly a big step forward. We still know that there is a gap to the best engine today, but we believe that gap is not so dramatic.” – the Italian side’s Team Principal added.
Scuderia Ferrari’s extra horsepower should also be a key factor as the Maranello team continue the fight with McLaren for third place in the 2021 Formula 1 constructors’ championship. Mattia Binotto confirmed that the updated ERS system gives him confidence Ferrari will be able to beat McLaren in the last five races of the current season:
“Generally speaking, in the overall balance of the lap, I think we have been clearly faster this weekend. I think on the paper it was not a circuit which was suiting obviously our car. That’s why I’m pleased with the progress I’ve seen in the last races, certainly the help of the power unit both for qualifying and the race, and that gives me some confidence for the next races.” – Mattia Binotto concluded.
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