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Speculation is mounting that a technical controversy is behind Ferrari's recent slump against rivals Mercedes. Ferrari started the season on a high, winning two out of the first three races. However, the team hasn't come close to a victory since Monaco, where Sebastian Vettel took the top step.
One suggestion is that an FIA clampdown about the adding of oil to fuel was specifically targeted against Ferrari: "There is someone who is now with the silver team that came from the red team and knew what to look for," Red Bull team boss is quoted by Osterreich newspaper.
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The implication is that Mercedes raised the alarm about the 'trick' Ferrari system. However, Dr Helmut Marko thinks Sebastian Vettel is still the 2017 title favourite: "Even though Ferrari apparently lost some engine power due to the oil in the fuel story, Sebastian is the strongest in the races," the Red Bull official told Kronen Zeitung.
Vettel still leads the driver standings after the first eight rounds of the championship but is set to face further action over his collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (8)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Maybe.. lets see and hope they will be back in austria
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
what?! How could Ferrari outpace Merc in Montreal on the long straight?! Or do i get something wrong now?!
talktohenry
Posts: 362
RB was also just as quick on the straights as DR said he could stay with anyone on the straight so maybe Renault are back...........
denis1304
Posts: 284
wasn't Mercedes "accused" from Ferrari of this trick?
JoeGreen84
Posts: 30
At some point im sure they have all tried this sneaky little trick. Tis quite interesting what lengths teams will go for that extra little bit.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They jest. Everyone knew Ferrari would be weaker compared to Merc these two weekends. I dont think this is Ferrari's true pace.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
what's the big deal with oil in the fuel ?
my non turbo, non hybrid lawnmower stops really quickly if i don't put oil in the fuel.
if oil in the combudtion chamber is giving these engines some advantage, they will all work out a way to get it in there without mixing it the fuel
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its a small boost, really, but the principle is that the oil basically serve as extra fuel, thus you can push a little more without worrying about the fuel running out.