Red Bull question latest Ferrari engine upgrade

Red Bull have questioned the sudden uptick from Ferrari's latest power unit and say Renault and Mercedes have also begun to "point the finger" at the Scuderia.

Charles Leclerc won the Belgian and Italian Grands Prix from pole, with Ferrari taking their first victories of 2019 immediately after the summer break.

The Scuderia had been expected to be strong given the SF90 has impressed in a straight-line all year, but Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko says the extent of their dominance has raised questions.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said that "a number of questions" were sent to the FIA regarding Ferrari's power boost, which came as they introduced their 'spec-3' upgrade across the races.

And Marko says the performance has raised eyebrows up and down the grid.

Marko said to Auto Bild: "Why is the Ferrari engine so superior?

"We are talking about 40 KW [55 bhp]. The Ferrari has more than any other, however only on one lap.

"Especially in qualifying, the resulting difference in speed on the long straights in Spa and Monza was clearly noticeable.

"It's not mainly us who point the finger at Ferrari - that's what Renault and Mercedes are all about."

According to Auto Bild, when quizzed on the matter, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer said: "So far everything was legal."

Ferrari's straight-line advantage is expected to count for little in Singapore this week, where high downforce is the key difference-maker.

Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto has not ruled out further wins in 2019, though, and said: "We are working back in Maranello to add some downforce. Maybe a few bits will be there [in Singapore]."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 star bodyshamed by media just weeks after revealing weight issues

• 45 minutes ago

F1 dad Max Verstappen reveals why he doesn't want baby Lily in the paddock

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton says people are trying to retire him, what if those people are Ferrari

• 2 hours ago

F1 fans point out George Russell hypocrisy over Max Verstappen 'violence' claim

• 3 hours ago

F1 drivers age: How old are Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris and co in 2026?

• 3 hours ago

F1 2027 Grid: Verstappen and Hamilton questions as major dominoes set to fall

• Today 11:20