Ferrari says the new powertrain introduced in Charles Leclerc’s car last weekend offered modest performance gains, but represented a significant advancement in terms of technology.
The team is aiming to win with its unit, which was one of the main weaknesses last season, before a development freeze comes into effect next year.
Ferrari’s sporting director Laurent Mekies was “satisfied” with the introduction of the updated engine in Sochi last weekend. “There’s no game changer there, but it works smoothly.”
Team principal Mattia Binotto declined to describe the magnitude of Ferrari’s gains, which are believed to be a single-digit horsepower increase.
“It’s a step in terms of performance,” said Binotto. “But as Laurent said, what is certainly more important to us is that we have pushed this new technology as far as possible because, in terms of the experience we can get, it will surely help in 2022 “, he said.
“I’m now glad Charles got it and got it for the rest of the season, which is still kind of a step.”
Leclerc said there was a noticeable improvement in his aggregate when he first ran it on Friday. “I feel like it’s a little better, which is great, and obviously the data backs it up,” he said. “It’s great to feel and see it.”
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Russian Grand Prix 2021
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