Share

'We just want fairness in F1' - Ferrari 'doing nothing wrong' with its engine - Leclerc

The off-track battle is heating up between Ferrari and its rivals.

Sebastian Vettel said in Brazil that Max Verstappen's recent accusation of Ferrari cheating was "unprofessional" and "immature".

Power difference

However, this time not prompted by Red Bull or another team, the FIA has issued a second technical directive believed to be aimed at how Ferrari's powerful 2019 engine works.

READ | 'Ferrari cheats and the FIA knows it' - Rivals ask for F1 Italian team's engines to be checked

"We just want fairness in Formula 1. We are not talking about 5HP, the difference is 50hp," a Honda official is quoted as saying by the Swiss newspaper Blick.



Do other teams and drivers have a reason to feel Ferrari is 'doing something wrong'? Email us.

For his part, Verstappen has heeded the warnings of Red Bull and his father by staying quiet in Brazil, although he did say it is "good" that the FIA is getting to the bottom of "what is not allowed".

"It's not about silencing anyone. I guess if we go back to normal here then we should be able to win, and that's more important," Ferrari's Vettel said.

Ferrari officials have explained that the clear performance drop in Austin was not about the engine, but about running extra downforce and a lack of pace for other reasons.

"It's not my motivation to educate our opponents. In the team, we know that everything is alright and that we have done nothing wrong," Charles Leclerc said in Brazil.

Team innovation

However, Ferrari may be hitting back in the off-track technical battle. Italy's Corriere della Sera reports that Ferrari asked the FIA for an explanation about a Mercedes innovation.

The query reportedly concerned an innovation near the rear suspension that might help to keep Mercedes keep the difficult Pirelli tyres in the operating 'window'.

The FIA confirmed the legality of the innovation, the Italian newspaper added.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()