In recent developments, several rival teams in the Formula 1 paddock have reportedly expressed their frustration and discontent towards Ferrari, the renowned Maranello-based team.
Reports from Auto Motor und Sport in Germany, and the Swiss newspaper Blick suggests that these unnamed teams are raising concerns about Ferrari’s potential breach of rules regarding the testing of recent car upgrades.
The alleged misconduct has sparked discontent among competitors, further intensifying the ongoing rivalry within the sport.
One update was run during Pirelli’s post-Spanish GP tyre test, while reports reveal that a new front wing and floor were tested last week at Ferrari’s private test circuit at Fiorano during a ‘filming day’.
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“Neither is directly in conflict with the regulations,” said Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt, “but one can see that the spirit of the rules was violated.”
Veteran F1 journalist Roger Benoit went one step further, headlining his Blick article on the issue with: “Did Ferrari cheat with new parts on a filming day?”
Spanish and Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz defended his team, he said: “We tested tyres (in Barcelona) that are used without electric blankets,” said the Spaniard. “I don’t think we can learn much from that.
“There’s always things that you can try with your driving, but it’s not like you can test anything or put something in place for the race weekend.”
As for the FIA, single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis commented: “A comparison test of different versions (of parts) would not be allowed.”
Schmidt, however, pointed out that no Ferrari rival has lodged a complaint, and the FIA is not currently investigating the matter.
Benoit added: “The FIA is said to be relaxed about it, as Ferrari claims they didn’t swap out any parts during the filming day. So they just drove with the new parts.”
