So, I agree with much of that, but you forget that Ferrari also lost relative to Red Bull, certainly on Saturday. Sure, the c-spec Renault, but on the whole I do think Ferrari actually lost something. Maybe set up, but could also be top PU power.f1316 wrote: ↑04 Oct 2018, 09:35Again, as has been said here all season, I think they’re completely missing the point about where the speed comes from. It isn’t purely engine - it’s traction + drag.bosyber wrote: ↑02 Oct 2018, 12:27AMuS: Ferrari FIA sensor and power advantage (in German, here a translated quote):So maybe they did indeed lose some power to Mercedes, which would explain some of why they are struggling, relatively speaking.The competition's GPS data shows it clearly: Ferrari's advantage on the straight has disappeared since two races. Did Mercedes catch up or did Ferrari have to turn down Power? And what role does a new FIA sensor on the Ferrari play?
Still, I also agree the car doesn't seem to have that broad setup window now (and the big rear wing might be indicative of problems getting the balance, and tyre heating, right).
Mercedes have made a massive leap on traction in the past 2-3 races ...
The Ferrari engine is strong but I highly doubt it was ever more powerful than the Mercedes ... Mercedes have likely caught up enough for it to swing the other way.
Edit:
Having said that, after reading Mark Hughes Japan race report (and his previously unnoticed October 5th article: October 5th article MPH: Ferraris engine mystery), I will concede that it could be a combo of set up, rear suspension and aero, tuning down the engine for reliability, and operator errors that made Ferrari effectively less competitive in the last races, rather than an (apparently non-existent) extra sensor that blocked them from using a special trick.