The engine advantage which Ferrari was known to have had for much of the European season has reportedly “disappeared” since the Singapore GP.
German publication Auto Motor und Sport claims GPS data from the night race and last weekend in Sochi show the power output from the Italian team’s unit was less than seen previously.
At Silverstone, Hockenheim and Spa, the Prancing Horse was gaining half a second if not more on the straights compared to the Mercedes but the advantage in Russia was minimal.
Questions about the legality of the Ferrari engine have swirled all season, with claims that a unique double battery layout has allowed the Scuderia to either exceed the allowed amount of energy storage or the limit on power output.
The FIA has maintained that, after their investigations, everything is above board and that has been accepted by Mercedes and Renault.
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Since Singapore, however, it is noticeable how the German manufacturer has once again had the edge over Ferrari and Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul believes that may be no surprise if the GPS data is accurate.
“If they have less power, they may not be able to drive the wing adjustment from before and have to return with the downforce,” he explained.
Why the sudden drop in power? AMuS believes a secondary sensor installed by the FIA on the battery system could be the answer, in reality, we’ll likely never know.