F1 News
Ferrari "don't think there is much on the straights" between them and Mercedes
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has played down the difference on the Baku straights between themselves and rivals Mercedes, as Binotto doubts the Scuderia will have an advantage over the Silver Arrows.
The Baku City Circuit is the home of the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, with the home straight well over a mile long. With Ferrari's power unit being praised for its superior straight-line speed, this is being claimed to be why Ferrari will be massive favourites.
However, Binotto has countered this, saying the power difference is minimal.
“If you look at the speed of Mercedes [in China] I think they were very strong as well,” the Italian told RaceFans.
“So, maybe you should ask them how they are so good. I don’t think there is much on the straights in [between] us and the others.
“Baku is a circuit where you’ve got a different aero configuration certainly so I think it’s not only power units it could be aero configuration. It’s not only the straights in Baku, it’s a lot of corners. It’s a circuit that’s very difficult in that respect so let’s see.
“There are races where you may be in front by a few hundredths.”