'Binotto told me not sure if engine update solves all problems'
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- GPblog.com
Charles Leclerc drove a new engine at the US Grand Prix. The Ferrari powerplant should have gained a lot in reliability thanks to this update. It is a step in the right direction, although Mattia Binotto is not sure all problems are a thing of the past with it.
Michael Schmidt, journalist for the renowned Auto, Motor und Sport, says: "It looks good. Binotto told me, however, that it is not yet certain that this will solve all engine issues, but it is a clear step forward." Leclerc remained immune from problems at the Circuit of the Americas and Schmidt says he expects Carlos Sainz to have a new engine introduced in Mexico.
The biggest problem with the Ferrari engine was the pneumatic valves. These valves did not seal properly, sometimes causing problems after less than 2,000 kilometres on the clock. However, a quick fix was not available, but after months of development, there is finally an update. Whether it actually works as expected is probably impossible to say after the one Grand Prix where Leclerc used it.
Battle in World Championship between Ferrari and Mercedes
Ferrari has some margin towards Mercedes in the battle for second place in the constructors' championship. The Italian formation stands on 469 points, while Mercedes has accumulated 416 so far. However, Mexico is not known as a circuit where overtaking is easy, so Sainz faces a nice challenge next weekend.