F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari suspected of using sophisticated battery-linked ploy!

After pushing the boundaries of the regulations with its creative halo-mounted mirrors, Ferrari could once again come under the scrutiny of the FIA following allegations linked to the battery system of its 2018 SF71-H.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, a formal protest against Ferrari could be lodged at next week's Monaco Grand Prix, the Scuderia's rivals targeting a complex ploy by which Ferrari is able to extract more than the allowed four megajoules of energy from its battery system.

The scheme allegedly involves modifying the electrical currents in the system and the battery output, allowing for a bypass of the all-important sensor that measures the electrical usage, a ruse reportedly worth an extra 20bhp.

"The alleged trickery is so complicated that FIA engineers are struggling to understand it," said AMS reporter Michael Schmidt.

Whether the allegations have merit or not remains to be seen, but arch-rival Mercedes has urged the FIA to act more quickly in the future regarding potential cases of illegality.

"Any race in which grey areas remain grey can be a lost race," said Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda.

"The FIA has to clarify these unanswered questions by the race in Monte Carlo," he added.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Verstappen says retirement was closer than joining rival F1team

Max Verstappen has revealed that his Formula 1 future came perilously close to ending altogether,…

16 minutes ago

Cadillac F1 quash sale rumours amid TWG investigation

Cadillac has moved swiftly to quash speculation that its fledgling Formula 1 operation could be…

2 hours ago

One Ferrari driver's dream that turned into a nightmare

On this day in 2009, Luca Badoer was named as Felipe Massa's replacement by Ferrari,…

2 hours ago

Coulthard predicts permanent F1 farewell for Zandvoort

Former F1 driver and commentator David Coulthard shared his perspective on why Zandvoort has most…

3 hours ago

McLaren unleash another MCL40 upgrade blitz at Dutch GP

McLaren heads into the Dutch Grand Prix with momentum firmly on its side, and the…

5 hours ago

Verstappen settles F1 future, extends Red Bull deal until 2030!

Max Verstappen has finally put to rest the speculation surrounding his Red Bull future, committing…

6 hours ago