Ferrari says F1 rivals copying SF90 car design, particularly one radical element. Ferrari says F1 rivals copying SF90 car design.

Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto believes several rivals on the Formula 1 grid have begun to copy elements of the SF90 – particularly its radical front wing.

Both Ferrari and their closely aligned engine customer Alfa Romeo took strikingly different approaches to the new front-wing regulations for 2019, with minimalist designs differing significantly to others.

Scuderia Ferrari’s ability to put down the power from its mighty engine in the corners has let them down in battle with Mercedes over the season, but an update to the front wing and floor has helped them take four-straight pole positions, and three victories from those races.

Mattia Binotto says the upgrade put on the car in Singapore may have been brought forward from next year’s design, and suggested that others have already looked at their philosophy as one to copy.

He said: “On the current car, the regulations being the same for next year it will certainly be of interest.

“Whatever we are building on this season, in terms of understanding, will be key for next year as well. That’s why we are still focusing or putting effort on 2019, not only because we’re seeking victories but because we know that a good understanding of the overall car performance in this season will be to the benefit of next season.”

Mattia Binotto added: “On the front wing, I think some are copying us at the moment, more than us [copying] the others. So I think that the next year’s car will be a development of the current one.

“To develop an efficient car is always important for fuel economy, for speed, and I don’t think it’s a completely wrong or bad concept. If you look back and count the missed opportunities and victories I don’t think we’re on the wrong side of the sum, of the balance. There have been other reasons why this season we’ve not performed as expected. It’s not only the car concept. By the time the weaknesses were addressed we can be quite competitive and I think the last races have shown it.” – he concluded.