Ever since its power units were affected by a 2019 technical guideline that stipulated systems to bypass FIA fuel sensors, Ferrari had to be on par with Mercedes in terms of engine performance.
Ferrari improved its engines in the off-season and introduced an updated hybrid system for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s cars in Russia and Turkey, respectively, in the second half of 2021.
After both drivers went through the agony of the grid to use a fourth engine, they found that the upgraded package gave them a noticeable performance advantage.
Team boss Binotto considers the recent hybrid improvements from Maranello to be a “big step”, which means that the gap to Mercedes is no longer as dramatic as it was last year.
“The [additional] Electricity is always available through the straight, so you benefit from it both at the beginning and at the end of the straight, “he explained.
“This is how we can quantify it; when I look at this weekend, we are getting maximum downforce, but somehow we are almost as fast as the others.
“When you consider how the situation was last year, it is certainly a big step forward. We still know that there is a gap to the best engine today, but we think the gap is not that dramatic.”
Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari SF21
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Ferrari’s extra horsepower could prove key to the team’s efforts to beat McLaren for third in the Constructors’ Championship.
After tight competition in 2021 that swung both ways depending on the track, McLaren has admitted that Ferrari now has the faster car.
Binotto acknowledged that the updated ERS system gives him confidence that Ferrari can come out on top in subsequent races.
“In terms of the overall balance of the lap, I think we were significantly faster this weekend,” said Binotto.
“I think on paper it was obviously not a track that suited our car. So I’m delighted with the progress I’ve seen in the last few races, and certainly with the help of the engine for both qualifying and that Race. And that gives me some confidence for the next races. “
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