Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto confirmed that the Italian side’s new low-drag rear wing which was used in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend helped improve the F1-75’s straightline speed and performance, therefore reducing the deficit to rivals Red Bull in terms of top speed.
The upper rear wing, which was brought by Ferrari a few weeks ago in Miami, but was not used at the Miami International Autodrome, was run on the F1-75 cars for the first time at the Baku City Circuit. Despite the fact that the Ferrari cars were far from the top in a ranking focusing on the main speed trap table for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when tows and DRS activation can affect the accuracy of such standings, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were closer to the top based on the data from the qualifying session.
Mattia Binotto confirmed the wing update worked as expected and helped to improve the F1-75 both with the DRS open in qualifying, and with the wing in the normal configuration during the main event on Sunday, which was clearly visible in the first ten laps of the race, as Charles Leclerc was able to defend against Max Verstappen despite the fact that the Red Bull driver was faster at that stage, but unlike early in the season, could not rely on the extra power on the straights.
The new wing will most likely be seen on the Ferrari F1-75 cars for the rest of the season in races which take place on circuits with long straights and favour a low drag -7set-up, such as the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which hosts the Canadian Grand Prix in just a few days.
“I think on that type of level of downforce I don’t think we’ve got such a big disadvantage to Red Bull, the speeds were very similar,” Mattia Binotto confirmed after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – “Both with DRS on, in the quali we saw it yesterday, and with the DRS off today, that was good enough at least to be in the fight, keep Max behind on the straight and defending. So overall I think yes that rear wing is working as expected. It’s working similarly to the one of the Red Bull on similar downforce, and that gives me confidence that whenever we need to use it we can use it without any big issues.” – he added.
At the same time, Ferrari is focused on evaluating and identifying the causes that led to the mechanical failures which led to the Maranello team leaving Baku without scoring any points. Charles Leclerc’s engine will be examined in Maranello today, while the Italian side has already found a quick fix for the hydraulic problem which ruined Carlos Sainz’s race in Baku. Ferrari confirmed yesterday: “Charles’ engine arrives at the factory tomorrow [Wednesday], an initial assessment should be completed by the evening. Hydraulic components from Carlos’ car have already been examined. A short-term fix is in place for Canada, while work is on-going on mid/long-term solutions.”
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Mattia Binotto poiunted out after the disappointing Azerbaijan weekend that his team remains united as it tries to address its difficult moment:
“I cannot blame the team, because I know what has been the effort they have put in order to address the performance from the past. I know it’s a long journey. We didn’t get enthusiastic at the start of the season, I think we will not be the last today. As I said it’s a journey which we are on, and there are still other steps which are required right now. I think as a team again we will stay united, and work hard.” – he concluded.
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