. @GiulyDuchessa reports interesting things regarding Ferrari (a thread):
• Ferrari feels the new PU is a big step forward
• New ICE has a completely different use of the combustion mixture (talks of an innovative oil management) + use of new composite materials inside the PU
• The E10 fuel is considered to cost 80hp in the adapted 2021 PU version.
(A source close to Honda said that it is "rather enviable if Ferrari had managed to contain the deficit to just 20hp, as Binotto hinted in previous interviews")
• Ferrari, with the support of a new exclusive supplier, has developed ultra-lightweight parts (PU). A very interesting objective is the significant weight reduction of the power unit.
• The weight reduction was something risky in terms of reliability but it is capable of producing a possible advantage, difficult to copy by the opponents.
• Current status is that the engine fire-up is being defined: Binotto is personally defining the final aspects.
• According to reports, the most likely date for the new car presentation is 16.02. but we might not see (all of) the "original" parts of the new car.
Here is a little thread with comments from the current
F1 grid about Michael [comments were made over the years] ❤️
Mick: "My father is my idol. I have the highest respect for what he achieved. He had to work hard for his wins and titles. Nothing was given to him. That impresses me. The power and energy he showed, the concentration, always being 100% on the job."
#AMuS There are many meetings about the future engines in F1 [2025], but not much progress is achieved. It is not even clear yet whether the new engines will have four or six cylinders. There are two sides: Mercedes and Renault represent one, Ferrari and Red Bull the other..
#AMuS Mercedes is in favour of retaining the V6 engine. They say it's due to cost reasons. Every new construction costs more money. They would also like to keep the MGU-H as a technology, but would be ready for a compromise in that area.
Budkowski: "If we have CO2-neutral fuel, we don't need a V4. The V6 is already there.
Renault does not like to have an electric drive on the front axle. "That means massive modifications to the car, more weight and more costs."
Aston Martin has set themselves a target of 3-5 years to fight for the title. Will you still be in the team by then? Do you think you still have what it takes to win another world title?
Vettel: "I think so. I am not too old yet. And I don't think it's related to age anyway."
Vettel: "It's more a question of the car and the team. F1 has always been like that, as far back as I can remember. In the last few years, you had to be in a Mercedes to win the title. I'm not telling you anything new."
Vettel: "I got close at times with Ferrari, but we were never close enough to be in the fight until the last 2-3 races of the season. Winning my first championship was a relief, because you know you can do it. I don't see why not."
Vettel: "It's no secret that I wasn't the happiest man last year. I can't wait for the new season to start. I am surrounded by a group of very enthusiastic people. They are driven by a great state of mind."
Vettel: "The workforce is much smaller than at Ferrari, partly, because we don't build an engine. We are on a reverse trajectory compared to most of the big teams, especially the ones where I raced previously."