Red Bull Content Pool

General

"Honda and Mercedes are miles ahead of us"

8 August 2021 at 18:22
Last update 8 August 2021 at 18:45
  • GPblog.com

Alfa Romeo Racing is happy as a customer of engine supplier Ferrari. Last year there was some criticism of the Italian made power units and rumours circulated that they were considering leaving the team. Frederic Vasseur now tells us that the team is working well together and that they are satisfied with the progress that has been made.

"We are happy with the engine we are using and have a good relationship with Ferrari," Vasseur revealed in conversation with Autosprint. Speaking to the Italian magazine, the Frenchman states that Ferrari have managed to find more horsepower in the last six months, but that they are not yet satisfied. "They have been supplying us with power units for many years and are working hard to improve them. Hopefully we will make significant progress in 2022."

Honda and Mercedes leading the way

Ferrari has had to come a long way after new technical directives were added to the regulations at the end of 2019. There is some catching up to do, but according to Vasseur, Honda and Mercedes are certainly a step ahead."The Ferrari engine is on par with Renault, but Mercedes and Honda are miles ahead of us. Ferrari is working hard to improve it and we are working hard to improve the car. This season we have managed to make a big step forward."

The 53-year-old top executive is in ninth place in the constructors' championship with Alfa Romeo. Before the Hungarian GP they were still number eight, but because Williams managed to finish in the top-ten with both cars at the Hungaroring the formation dropped one place. The difference is still good to make up in the twelve Grands Prix that will follow in 2021, seven points.