New Ferrari Russian GP updates to set 2021 baseline

Ferrari is to roll out a number of updates at this weekend's Russian Grand Prix that sporting director Laurent Mekies has revealed will provide a baseline for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The Scuderia has endured a wretched campaign to date, scoring just two podiums from nine races to leave it languishing in sixth in the constructors' championship. It is 40 years since Ferrari finished any lower than fifth.

Team principal Mattia Binotto has already stated the minor aerodynamic package "will not change the big picture", but according to Mekies it will at least represent a start going into next year when regulations remain unchanged.

"We will be introducing a few small aero updates on the SF1000, as part of the plan which extends over the next few races to correct as far as possible the weaknesses seen in recent races, particularly with a view to 2021," said Mekies.

"We’re not expecting this small package to make a big change but it will allow us to check its functionality and give us a baseline for future developments."

Mekies has acknowledged the first nine races have proven "to be very difficult for the Scuderia, as can be seen from the results," with the team only 13 points ahead of seventh-placed AlphaTauri.

But ahead of this weekend's Russian Grand Prix, Mekies insisted: "It’s not in our nature to give up under any circumstances.

"That’s the spirit in which we approach the Sochi weekend, even if in the short time we’ve been coming here, the track has never been too favourable for us.

"We will do our best, aware that at the moment, we are up against a lot of stiff opposition."

Before you go...

Drivers set for talks to avoid repeat of Mugello madness

Williams has "a few ideas" to improve the FW43 for Sochi

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

US star turned down Red Bull F1 contract: 'This is why I didn't sign it'

• 3 hours ago

Sky Sports F1 pundit stars in James Bond movie

• Yesterday 22:42

Red Bull copy Ferrari as major 2026 upgrade revealed

• Yesterday 21:56

'F1 used to be pure but the races were boring': Star claps back at Max Verstappen moans

• Yesterday 21:30

Mercedes beware: McLaren are bringing ‘a completely new car’ to the Miami Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:45

Commentators give Max Verstappen new nickname after 'impossible' Nürburgring move

• Yesterday 20:00