After being the closest challengers to Mercedes in 2015, the Scuderia Ferrari team have launched its 2016 challenger, which it hopes is even closer to the pace than its predecessor.
Following an online reveal on Friday, the SF16-H follows in the footsteps of the triple-race winning SF15-T, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen once again behind the wheel in 2016.
Aerodynamic changes include a short front nose, a switch to a push rod front suspension and a tighter, slimmer car that aims to be more aerodynamically efficient, while the livery sports more white than it has in a number of years, predominantly on the engine cover and front wing.
“Normally I am not setting the objectives, my boss sets the objective for the team,” said Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene. “I think this year, we need to push a bit more. We would like to fight until the end for the championship.
“I know that is not going to be easy, because our competitors are not sleeping, but we are committed to do our best.”
Technical Director James Allison believes Ferrari were heading in the right direction with its car in 2015, and hopes the 2016 effort helps them close the gap to Mercedes at the front even more.
“Back in 2013, Ferrari was not at the right level, the championship, except for maybe doing pit stops,” said Allison. “We’ve worked very hard on all of those areas.
“Last year was a decent step forward and we hope this car will be another good step forward to make us properly competitive. We have improved across the board. All our hopes are in this car, and we can’t wait to see it on the track.”
