Ferrari set for big revisions to 2020 F1 car in Austria

Ferrari is expected to introduce a revised version of its SF1000 when the 2020 Formula 1 season gets underway next month.

Following an underwhelming pre-season testing in which the Italian squad appeared to lag behind its main rivals Mercedes and Red Bull, Ferrari has worked to rectify its weaknesses in a bid to boost its fortunes when F1 restarts after the COVID-19-induced hiatus. 

With team factories having reopened over the past few weeks, Ferrari has been focusing on a number of areas to improve before the campaign kicks off at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on July 5.

Among the rumoured changes Ferrari is set to bring with it the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix are revisions to the engine, a stiffening of the gearbox and aerodynamic innovations on the chassis. The main aim of these tweaks is to improve car handling and tyre performance.

It is understood the Maranello outfit will also bring its second generation power unit - dubbed the ‘065 2’ -  to Austria, which is hoped to add around 15-20bhp more than the engine Ferrari used in Barcelona testing and Australia, as well as boosting reliability.

In interview with Marca earlier this month, Ferrari F1 team boss Mattia Binotto suggested there would be no major developments to the SF1000 until after the opening three races and stressed the team was bracing itself for a tough start.

“I do not expect to be the fastest car in Austria, where we must achieve the maximum possible points at the start of the world championship and try to react afterwards,” Binotto said.

“There are fewer development options with the new regulation that has frozen several parts of the car. We have accepted these changes due to our responsibility with F1, although it will make it more difficult for us, but that does not mean impossible. 

“I think we will know the true potential of the car after three races.”

Ferrari is understood to be working on further concept changes following the initial flurry of races, including a revised front-end package.