Former F1 drivers Marc Surer and Gerhard Berger discuss Ferrari’s SF90 problem in slow corners. Marc Surer and Gerhard Berger discuss Ferrari's SF90 problem in slow corners.

Former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer (67) believes that he can see the problems with Ferrari’s SF90, as reported by Autobild, who interviewed the former Ensign, ATS, Theodore, Arrows and Brabham F1 driver:

“Compared to Mercedes, Ferrari has built a car that has less downforce. This gives you an advantage on the straight, but a disadvantage especially in slow and medium speed corners. Ferrari therefore needs either high asphalt temperatures like in Bahrain or an extremely rough track surface like in Barcelona to get the tyres into the optimal working window. That’s why they were so strong in Spain in the winter testing and also superior in Bahrain. But not in Melbourne or now in China. There the car slipped too much. The tyres developed too little grip and therefore broke down too quickly. If it is also cooler in Baku in 14 days, then it is bad for Ferrari there as well. Because the street circuit has far too many slow corners where they will lose decisive time. Ferrari may have to rethink their concept for the future, because I’m not sure there will be enough races that fit exactly into the Ferrari scheme.” – he explained.

Sebastian Vettel and team boss Mattia Binotto (49) agree with Marc Surer in some way. Sebastian Vettel agrees: “We’re losing time in the corners. Mercedes is much stronger there at the moment” – While Mattia Binotto adds: “We first have to study the data at home in Maranello to know why we were too slow in China. But Shanghai was one race and you have to think about the whole season. I think the balance of power can shift weekend after weekend.”

Former Scuderia Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger says the Maranello team should not give up yet: “The fact is that Ferrari were superior in Bahrain and at least Bottas was within reach in China. Only Hamilton drove in a different league. Ferrari must now stay cool and continue to work calmly. Binotto is exactly the right man for that. And if it’s true that Ferrari needs higher temperatures, then they could have advantages in summer when it’s usually very hot.”