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Whiting: Ferrari performance loss not down to new sensor

15:55, 09 Oct 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Charlie Whiting has denied that the recent loss in performance Ferrari has experienced being down to new sensors fitted to the SF71H. Rumours had suggested that the sensor meant Ferrari had to hide an illegal performance boost now the FIA had fitted the sensor but the team moved to deny that claim.

Speaking after the Japanese Grand Prix, Whiting disputed the claims adding that the sensor was not the catalyst for the loss in performance Ferrari are experiencing.

"I am not quite sure why that has happened, this drop in form," he said.

"There was some speculation that it is due to this magic sensor that we made them put on. I am not going to go any further than that, but I will say that from an engine performance perspective we don't agree with what has been suggested. There is no link at all."

Whiting also confirmed that he had spoken to Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene in the wake of claims by the team that the innovative battery layout the team used had been leaked by the FIA.

"We spoke, and it is clear now. I don't think I should tell you what we discussed, but it is all clear on both sides.

He did however avoid confirmed if a second sensor had been fitted at all, claiming that any confirmation would compromise the Ferrari secrets.

"If I do that, unfortunately I will be telling you all about Ferrari's car and hence I will be telling all the other teams about Ferrari's car, and that is not something I can do."