Ferrari targeting 'most important step' possible with 2022 engine

Ferrari says it is working hard to ensure that its all-new 2022 power unit will allow it to bridge the gap in terms of performance with its rivals.

The introduction next year of Formula 1's transformative regulations will provide teams with a big reset and a foundation on which they will build their performance for the following years.

While a scope of chassis development will be allowed, the specifications of the new engines supplied by the sport's four manufacturers - Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull/Honda – will be largely set in stone from next year until the end of the current power unit regulation cycle that is set to conclude at the end of 2025 or 2026.

Ferrari will reportedly implement a long-overdue engine update in October, likely at the Turkish Grand Prix, that is expected to be worth an extra 10 bhp.

The unit should also feature several new 2022-spec hybrid elements that should allow Ferrari to gain a heads up on the components ahead of next season.

At Monza last weekend, Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto provided a status on Ferrari's 2022 development program.

"2022 is progressing," Binotto said. "It’s progressing and now is the time you are normally freezing the chassis geometries and the entire concept of the car, suspension layouts, cooling layouts…

"So let’s say the concept is certainly a lot advanced and while the concept is frozen, the chassis is already in production.

"It’s time to continue working on the body shape, on the aerodynamics, bodywork, wings, etc…

"And no doubt we are working a lot as well on the power unit."

• Read also: McLaren expects battle with Ferrari to carry on 'race to race'

Binotto added that Ferrari's objective regarding its 2022 engine is to bridge the estimated 20 bhp power shortfall relative to Mercedes.

"The power unit next year will be brand new in terms of, let me say, concept and design," explained the Swiss engineer.

"So, for us, it will be important for us to make the most important step we can, knowing that, as I said before, we’ve still a gap in terms of performance on the power unit.

"So the objective is really to try to catch that disadvantage, to close it.

"That’s why I think, on the engine, we are working very hard and on that key point where you need to find still performance but to start fully homologating the reliability of the product for the next season."

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