According to leading German automobile magazine ‘Auto motor und sport’, Scuderia Ferrari’s rear suspension layout could be a major cause of the problem in 2019. It is believed Ferrari’s aerodynamic concept is one reason for the lack of performance, with the car working well in a straight line but slow compared to Mercedes in the corners.
Ferrari’s hydraulic suspension debuted after the summer break in 2018. One interesting aspect is the fact that for the 2021 Formula One season, the FIA wants to ban the hydraulic suspension. Most teams are against the ban, except for one: Ferrari. The Maranello team wanting the hydraulic suspension ban gives the suspicion that they might have problems in that area, so they would rather see it get banned. Coincidentally or not, shortly after the debut of the active suspension at Spa in 2018, Ferrari’s strange aero problems began.
The possible issues with the hydraulic suspension and the lack of downforce could explain Ferrari’s issues in the corners. However, Sebastian Vettel has played down these rumours: “The suspension does what it should do. We simply lack downforce and therefore tyre temperature.” – Sebastian Vettel explained.
“The balance between fast and slow corners is not right,” team boss Mattia Binotto admits – “We lack grip. This is always the result of the interplay between aerodynamics and mechanics.”
Mattia Binotto’s reference to the mechanical aspects of the car is interesting, as it coincides with rumours Ferrari’s problem is with the clever hydraulic rear suspension systems used up and down the grid.
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