Was Ferrari the target of the FIA's oil-for-fuel clampdown?

Pundits in Baku are connecting some vague dots between Ferrari's relative under-performance in qualifying yesterday and the FIA's recent restriction order regarding burning oil as fuel.

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the FIA increased its efforts to restrict teams from attempting to generate a power boost by using oil as fuel.

Ferrari's sudden loss of performance yesterday has fueled speculation that the Scuderia was specifically targeted by the FIA's restrictive order.

Mercedes boss dismissed that notion however.

"I don't know why the gap is what it is," Mercedes team boss Wolff said.

"I don't know who is doing what, but I think the FIA's further clarification makes the conditions for that more stringent. But I don't think this had any particular effect here."

FIA tightens F1 oil-as-fuel restrictions

Another suggestion is that Ferrari's alleged oil-in-fuel trick has its biggest effect in qualifying, a concpet supported by the Italian squad's performance during its long runs in free practice.

"Our long runs on Friday were strong, so I have no particular worries about our pace," said Sebastian Vettel.

"I think ourselves, Mercedes and Ferrari are very close," he added.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.