Sebastian Vettel: Why Ferrari star is faster than Lewis Hamilton and rivals - former racer
FERRARI’s risk in changing their front wing has paid off massively, reckons their ex-driver Pedro de la Rosa.
F1: Vettel hails 'unbelievable' first day of pre-season testing
Ferrari recorded strong times during F1 testing in Barcelona last week, with both Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc impressing.
The SF90 has a smaller front wing than last year’s model and it is this that De la Rosa reckons is causing the Prancing Horse to record such promising results in corners.
"The most incredible thing is that it turns like that with so little front wing,” he told El Confidencial.
“The wing of the Ferrari and the Alfa (Romeo) are tiny.
Ferrari have risked a lot and the car impresses
“It is agile with the little wing, and that means that the concept is not just a front axle. It means that the suspension is softer in front.
“They are many things (that make this car fast).
“Ferrari have risked a lot and the car impresses.
“The only thing I do not like about Ferrari is the matt colour.
"It’s very nice in photos, but on the track the bright one is prettier. It's the only bad thing about the Ferrari (laughs)!"
Ferrari will hope their new car delivers a first World Drivers’ Championship in a decade.
Sebastian Vettel himself is seeking his first world title since 2013, with Leclerc very much Ferrari’s secondary driver this year.
Asked about Leclerc, De la Rosa said: "I see him as very mature, very solid and fast.
“But we are undervaluing Vettel, who is a four-time world champion.
“Beware of him. I love Leclerc, but Vettel has a lot of experience.
“I think Leclerc is going to go for more this year. Vettel is going to be the No 1 driver.”