Ferrari is applying finishing touches to the introduction of a completely revamped engine at the start of the new year as the Formula 1 giant looks to get back to the front of the grid, with boss Mattia Binotto saying that the early signs were very promising.
Following a change in engine regulations last season, Ferrari have fallen from being the fastest engine to being one of the slowest this term. They currently sit sixth in the standings with a total of 103 points. That’s less than a quarter of rivals’ Mercedes.
Their lack of horsepower has also had a diminishing effect for customer teams Alfa Romeo and Haas, sitting eighth and ninth respectively.
Despite stable upgrade rules in place for the 2021 F1 season, Ferrari is carrying on with plans for a big change to get them back to Motorsports’ top echelons.
Binotto who has come under a lot of pressure this year said: “We do not have currently the best engine,” said Binotto.
“I think that next year we may have a completely new power unit. As Ferrari, we have invested a lot in developing further the power unit for 2021, furthermore for 2022.”
An encouraged team principal added: “The engine is running currently at the dyno, I think the feedback so far on performance and reliability is very promising.
“We have to be efficient in the way we are planning, creative in the way we are testing. For what I can see, I am happy with the results.”
A massive engine upgrade could flip the script for Ferrari, whose overhauled 2020 car has enjoyed more of its success this term in less power-dependent tracks.
Charles Leclerc currently sits sixth in the driver’s rankings after securing three second-row qualifying results as well as two unprecedented podium finishes.
Ferrari has also acquired the services of Carlos Sainz who is set to replace four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Better as Leclerc’s partner next season.
Ahead of the last race at Imola, Binitti also disclosed that Ferrari is in the process of deciding which of their juniors Mick Schumacher, Robert Schwarzmann, or Callum Ilott will receive the nod to step up to the grid in the coming weeks.
The three youngsters have been impressive in F2 this season and have all been linked with big moves to F1 next year. Schumacher who sits atop of the championship is the clear favorite ahead of Ilott to join Haas, alongside Nikita Mazepin.
A statement is underway according to Binutto who stated: “I don’t think we will wait for the final race in Bahrain and for Abu Dhabi. I think it’s something we may decide in the next couple of weeks.”
Having them race in the Ferrari and for Ferrari is the ultimate aim according to Binotto.
“There is not place for all of them [in 2021],” he said.
“I think they are all doing well in F2 at the moment, they’ve got a season to finish and they are all focused on the next race in Bahrain.”
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