The Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has attacked Ferrari in an interview with the Dutch TV channel Ziggo. After Ferrari's poor showing at the US Grand Prix in Austin, the 22-year-old said, "You'll get that if you have to stop cheating."
Verstappen's claim was based on speculation and rumors that have been circulating for some time. Thus, Ferrari would apply a trick when injecting the gasoline into the engine and take advantage of a gap in the rules. This should have got the Ferrari racing car more engine power. However, it is unclear whether these allegations are correct and that this is indeed a rule violation.
In any case, Ferrari defended itself against the allegations of the competition. "I've heard these comments, they are very disappointing," team principal Mattia Binotto said after the race: "These comments are completely wrong, they are not good for the sport, and everyone should be a little more careful."
Mercedes sees abnormalities in Ferrari
In the paddock it was noticed that the Ferrari cars were slower on the straights compared to the previous weeks. "We looked at the data, their top speed is very different than in the last race," said Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff. He could not say exactly what that was. Ferrari has the highest top speed this season, but gave that advantage back in the corners.
Binotto did not want to know about it. Before the race in Austin was technically nothing has been changed to the engines, only on the aerodynamics of the car. "We were close to pole position on Saturday and our performance has shown that we are still fast," said the Italian.
Charles Leclerc could not keep up with the top as race fourth. Sebastian Vettel left due to a defect early. At least one Ferrari driver has made it to the podium in the last 13 races.