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Ferrari anticipates 1.5s time difference in 2019

12:00, 17 Feb 2019

byBobby Vincent

Ferrari has predicted the time difference due to the 2019 regulations will make the cars around 1.5 seconds slower per lap.

With Formula 1 making numerous aerodynamic alterations for the upcoming season - such as a new front wing design and rear wings, brake ducts and bargeboards in an attempt to try and make it easier for cars to overtake each other.

Mattia Binotto, Ferrari team principal, spoke about the regulation changes at the launch of its new car, the SF90.

"We predicted an impact of 1.5s per-lap when we (first tested) in the wind tunnel (and) it's what we got," Binotto told Motorsport.com.

"So, these cars are heavier compared to last year, and the aerodynamics, especially the front wing, has been simplified a lot. The expectation has been 1.5s and that has been (proven).

"So, now it is how much we recover of the 1.5 seconds during the entire period of development. How much the others recovered, only the track can tell."

Ferrari have youngster Charles Leclerc in the side for the upcoming season, driving alongside Sebastian Vettel - who finished runner-up last season to Lewis Hamilton.

Scuderia will be aiming to compete throughout the whole season with Mercedes this time around - after falling off after the summer break last season.