Mercedes, Red Bull boost as Ferrari confirm no upgrades in Germany

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has confirmed that the Scuderia will bring no significant upgrades to their car at the German Grand Prix.

Rivals Mercedes are reportedly bringing a chassis upgrade to Hockenheim, which will solve the cooling issues that hampered them in Austria, while Red Bull have made significant gains in recent races thanks to a new front wing.

Binotto says that, while Ferrari will not bring new parts to this weekend's race, they have enough data to pore over from Silverstone a fortnight ago to make significant improvements.

"We are not bringing any specific updates, but studying the data from the last round in Silverstone has provided us with useful information in our quest to get a better understanding of our car," he said.

An extra incentive for the Scuderia to have a good weekend in Germany is found in it being Sebastian Vettel's home race.

Vettel is having an abject 2019 season, to say the least, as he is currently fourth in the drivers' championship - 100 points adrift of leader Lewis Hamilton.

Arguably the lowest point of his campaign came in the last race when he finished 16th after crashing into the back of Max Verstappen, costing both a possible podium.

Last year's edition of the German GP was similarly frustrating as he crashed out from the lead, opening the door for Lewis Hamilton to take victory and the championship lead, which he would not give up to the end of the year.

Vettel has already suggested this weekend provides the perfect opportunity to redeem himself and Binotto, too, is hoping that the team can help him put that mistake to rest.

"For us, the German Grand Prix is first and foremost Sebastian’s home race," he said.

"Therefore we really hope to do well at Hockenheim, especially after last year's race here, when the win escaped us at the end of a weekend where our performance was definitely up to the task."

Related

F1 Legends

STUNNING Vettel comeback compounds F1 champion's misery

• November 14, 2024 19:57

Latest F1 News

Vettel holds talks with F1 legend over ‘DREAM’ comeback

• November 11, 2024 18:59