Ferrari finally beginning to understand 2019 F1 car

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto says his side is finally beginning to get an understanding of its complex 2019 Formula 1 car concept.

Despite boasting one of the fastest cars in a straight line throughout the year, Ferrari has struggled for performance at slow-speed circuits and failed to extract the maximum potential from its package at a number of races.

The Scuderia took advantage of power-hungry circuits at Spa and Monza to end its victory drought in 2019 as Charles Leclerc recorded back-to-back wins. Ferrari is expecting a struggle at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, given the tight and twisty nature of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

“We knew that these tracks, we may have been competitive, but it was not a given,” Binotto said.

“But secondly being more power-sensitive and having more straights was important for us. Important for us not to miss any other opportunities as we missed in the first half [of the season].

“I think the fact that we capitalised on the strengths of our car makes us very happy. But for the next races, I think it can be as the first part of the season.

“There has been races, there has been Germany, Canada, Bahrain where we can maybe be still competitive, and others where the weaknesses of our car will not give us the possibility to go for the win.

“But difficult to guess which ones. I think it’s important for us to continue to develop the car, because we are understanding it, and give our drivers the best opportunity whenever they can.”

Ferrari introduced an upgraded power unit at Monza but Binotto insisted the team’s strong performance on home soil was not solely down to the strength of its engine.

“We got the new unit which gave us speed and strength on the straight, but as well we improved in the aerodynamic department, with the low downforce package we put both in Belgium and Italy has proved to be a good one for the high speed,” he explained.

“Certainly the speed you have seen on the straight is not only down to the engine, but the aero package that we have developed.

“We are working certainly back at Maranello trying to add some downforce. Maybe, maybe a few bits will be added, but we’ll go back and understand the plans.”