The power difference between Honda and Ferrari is harming Toro Rosso’s chances against Sauber in the Constructors’ Championship, according to Pierre Gasly.
Currently, the junior Red Bull team sits three points ahead of the Swiss team in eighth in the standings but it is the latter which has the greater momentum thanks to five top 10’s in the past seven races for Charles Leclerc.
It would have very likely been six but for a loose wheel after the Monegasque’s pit-stop at Silverstone while on the contrary, Gasly has not scored since Monaco, four races ago, although was unfortunate to not keep 10th in Britain after a post-race penalty.
“Sauber is really fast, so I think it will be really, really difficult to keep them behind with the pace we have because they have a strong package,” the Frenchman said last week.
“In terms of chassis we are still ahead of them but in terms of engine and power unite package that they get from Ferrari, they just make a huge difference with that.”
Now the Italian marque is seen as the benchmark in terms of engine performance, overtaking Mercedes, and that is limiting Toro Rosso’s opportunities to challenge for points as Honda, despite improving, still lag behind.
“We need to make sure that when there are opportunities like Bahrain and Monaco we are there to score points,” Gasly, who has scored 18 of the team’s 19 points this season, added.
“In normal conditions at the moment, we don’t have the package and speed to fight there.
“Haas is really fast and Sauber is really fast with the Ferrari engine. We saw Force India is doing well and Renault has a really strong package between the chassis and the power unit.”
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Also noticing the difference within the Hinwil squad since the closer relationship with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo tie-up is Marcus Ericsson, with the Swede has been an ever-present since 2015.
“Just coming from the financial side first of all, now the financial platform is a lot stronger, and everything builds from there,” he said.
“We’ve brought in some great people on the team, and people in the team have grown motivation with everything that’s going forward.
“Now we’re in a completely different world to 12 months ago and it’s great to see.”
