Ferrari are working hard to put out a package that can challenge Mercedes next season, after a season where their car was pretty even with Mercedes(or even better for some time) for the entirety of the season.
The 2019 car will be named SF72H in all probability and will be unveiled on the 15th of February in Maranello, 3 days before winter testing in Barcelona.
Arrivabene spoke about the car, and how Binotto’s team has been working for months on it.
“The group led by Mattia Binotto has been working on next year’s single-seater for months now,” said Arrivabene
“The engines are already running on the test benches and there are parts of the car that are already in production.
“The parts more related to the performance will arrive at the last moment, even if the tension increases because the time is less and less. On February 15 we will present the car and everything must be ready for that day.” he added.
Arrivabene then went onto speak about the aerodynamic updates and how Ferrari will be addressing them.
“It is too early to give an overall picture of the car,” he said.
“Simulations are being done and we are working on the simulator, but the real test bench is only the track.
“That’s where you confront yourself, comparing the data you’ve collected during the winter period, and especially where you confront yourself with others.
“The technicians are working hard to complete the car. We have some information from the guys who work on the simulator, but it’s still too early to talk about performance.” he added.
The Ferrari boss also spoke about the relationship between Leclerc and Vettel and how Vettel can teach Leclerc a lot next season.
“He is a guy who has yet to express the best of himself in Ferrari, but I am sure he will be able to do it next year,” said Arrivabene.
“This year we lost in the semi-finals, but we never gave up. Obviously, we need to take one more step. We must understand all the mistakes we made together.
“Seb can teach Leclerc so much. We have great confidence in him, he is a talent but we have to protect him and make sure that his arrival does not burn his talent.” he concluded.
