F1 testing: Mercedes wraps up week one of Formula 1 testing on top

The team’s new innovative Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system it has developed will be banned from the 2021 Formula 1 season onwards though, with FIA technical regulations closing off the loophole the system has exploited.

A brand-new system designed to alter the toe of the front wheels on the W11 was revealed on day two of winter testing, and many questioned its legality. The reigning champions however feel confident that the development is fully compliant with current regulations and the FIA have no concerns over the safety of the mechanism.

Ferrari admits it is slower than rivals

Mattia Binotto explained on day three of testing that his team was not in the place it expected to be.

Sebastian Vettel missed out on a large chunk of running in the morning session after coming to a halt with an unspecified engine issue. An engine change allowed the team to complete 100 laps, with only Haas and Williams — both with their own stoppages — completing fewer miles.

“Simply looking at the delta pace and eventually what we may assess in terms of fuel load – which you never know in terms of engine modes, et cetera – looking at the picture relative to ourselves, I think we are not as fast as they are,” Binotto explained.

“I’m not as optimistic as last year. The others are faster than us at the moment I believe.

“How much faster I think it’s really difficult to judge.

“We will go through all the data in the next days. But I don’t think we are as fast as them at the moment.”

Binotto also admitted that Ferrari would create a similar DAS-system but only once it had fully understood the concept.

On the back of that, the team boss also added that it would be until at least mid-2020 before Ferrari could implement it on the SF1000.