Arrivabene believes potential of 2016 car still unfulfilled

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Scuderia Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene believes that the full potential of its SF16-H chassis has yet to be unlocked.

Since his arrival at the helm of the Italian squad at the end of 2014, Arrivabene has helped put Ferrari back in the winner's circle.

Although the Scuderia's performance level has been at times on a par with that of arch rival Mercedes, its race results remain at a fair length from those of the Silver Arrows.

But Arrivabene is adamant that its 2016 car is far from reaching its peak.

"Our 2016 car is a big step forward, the daughter of a completely new design," the Italian told Motorsport.com.

"But it is also a very sensitive car, and difficult to set up, which has yet to give so much. I am sure that with the work we are doing we will demonstrate its full potential.

"It's a thoroughbred: difficult to tame, which is yet to reach out. But with some small things it can be there 100 percent."

While its current season is in full swing, Ferrari has yet to decide when or how it will switch its focus to its 2017 campaign.

"After eight races I think it is wrong to think of the next year, leaving aside the present. We are approaching the Mercedes, and we must not miss the chance offered in this world championship.”

"I know the potential that we have, and of course I know the great job that is being done by Mercedes.

"At some tracks that gap has begun to get smaller, but we have to raise the bar with our ambitions and begin to look over it."

Fully aware of the team's missed opportunities this year and the impression that it has underperformed its targets, Arrivabene accepts the criticism he has received but also appreciates the praise that has also been directed his way.

" We can say that the two things balance each other out, but if you do this work there are aspects that you have to take into account.

"This is a world where every day you learn something new, and it takes humility. You have to know how to deal with technical challenges, as well as issues related to group dynamics – because in the end a team is made up of many people."

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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.