'No link’ between sensors and Ferrari F1 slump - FIA

The FIA says there is “no link at all” to suggest Ferrari’s performance has been impacted by its monitoring of the Scuderia’s Formula 1 power unit.

Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene confirmed at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix that a second sensor had been added to the Italian team’s engine battery following a request from the FIA, but rubbished suggestions it was a reason behind its recent drop off in form.

The unique arrangement of Ferrari’s double-battery first came under scrutiny earlier this season at April’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix following an enquiry from Mercedes, though the FIA found nothing untoward.

Ferrari has not won a race since the Belgian Grand Prix in August and has suffered a dip in performance compared to Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton capitalising to claim six victories from the last seven races to stand on the verge of clinching his fifth drivers’ world title.

“I’m not quite sure why that has happened,” F1 race director Charlie Whiting said when quizzed on the reasoning behind Ferrari’s recent slump.

“There’s a drop in form, and I think there’s some speculation that it’s due to this magic sensor that we’ve made them put on.

“I’m not going to go any further on that. I would say from an engine performance perspective, we don’t agree with what is being suggested.

“There is no link at all.”

Arrivabene said Ferrari would treat any leaks of its technical secrets as a “serious matter” and met with Whiting on Saturday at Suzuka to discuss the situation further.

“We spoke on Saturday morning, and it’s clear now. I don’t think again I should tell you what we discussed, but it’s all clear on both sides,” Whiting explained.

When asked if he could provide more detail – including when the second sensor was added to the Ferrari – Whiting replied: “No.

“Because if I do that, unfortunately I will be telling you about Ferrari’s car and hence I’ll be telling the other teams about Ferrari’s car.

“That’s not something I can do.”