F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari hat-trick 'definitely not a revolution' for F1 - Brawn

Formula 1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn says Ferrari's resurgence in the past few weeks doesn't signal a revolution among the sport's front-runners as Mercedes remains the team to beat.

After failing to win in the first part of the 2019 season, although it came close on several occasions, Ferrari hit the ground running after F1's summer break, raking in three consecutive victories at Spa, Monza and Singapore.

The Scuderia's unexpected triumph at Marina Bay - a venue which on paper appeared unsuited for the Italian outfit's low-drag SF90 - underscored its car's now all-round qualities and led Lewis Hamilton to say that the House of Maranello now had the edge over Mercedes.

While Brawn welcomed the Scuderia's success, the former Ferrari engineer doesn't believe his former team has taken over the reins of F1.

"For two thirds of the season it was the almost unanimous opinion that in simple terms of the top three teams, Ferrari was strong on tracks where the engine made the difference and it was also the perceived wisdom that Red Bull was in with a chance on tracks where aero was more important, while Mercedes had the more complete package and was better able to manage the tyres," commented Brawn in his Singapore Grand Prix post-race review.

"However, after the race in Singapore we find ourselves commenting on a one-two finish for Ferrari and a podium without a Mercedes driver.

"Have we witnessed a revolution in the space of a fortnight?

"Definitely not, as the Silver Arrows are still the strongest at every race and their rivals have to do everything perfectly if they want to beat them."

Mercedes and Hamilton's lead in their respective championships practically guarantees their crowning at the end of the season.

Yet Brawn insists there will be no letting up by the front-running teams during the final stretch of the season.

"With no major rule changes next year, continuing with car development even when the championship fight is more or less decided, still makes more sense and can add value for 2020," said the F1 chief.

"So, for Ferrari, it was important to be competitive on a track like Singapore and in a certain sense, this will help Mercedes because it now knows it can’t relax for a moment if it wants to continue to dominate in the hybrid era.

"That battle, which also includes Red Bull will, make for an even more exciting end to the season, because the three teams will be fighting it out at each Grand Prix regardless of the impact on the Championships.

"Not just for reasons of competition or prestige but also to be in the best position for 2020."

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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.

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