Whiting: No concerns over legality of Ferrari engines

Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting says that the FIA is ‘entirely satisfied’ with Ferrari’s engines despite rivals raising questions about a recent upturn in performance.

Ferrari won the British Grand Prix and Sebastian Vettel was leading last weekend’s German Grand Prix before he crashed out in slippery conditions.

The power-dependent nature of both circuits had been expected to suit Mercedes, the championship’s benchmark team during the hybrid era, and the Scuderia’s pace therefore raised eyebrows within the paddock.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff was one of reportedly several who noted the performances but stopped short of explicitly suggesting any wrongdoing.

Whiting, along with other FIA staffers, met with Mercedes during the German GP weekend and says that there are no qualms about the legality of the Ferrari hybrid package.

“We are entirely satisfied with everything on that front, as we said in Monaco,” he declared, referring to an earlier investigation regarding Ferrari’s energy recovery system.

“Some teams have been asking further question and we were just there to try and help them have some peace, if you like.”

Whiting was also unwilling to address questions as to whether Mercedes had made an accusation of cheating or was merely seeking clarity over regulations.

“Again, those discussions are private,” he said in response.

“I don’t think I should be telling you. If you want to talk to Mercedes, they’ll tell you but I think what goes on behind closed doors should remain behind closed doors.”

Wolff claimed that there was nothing unusual about the discussions.

“The exchange you’re having with the FIA and some of the other teams, or engine manufacturers, is on a regular basis,” he explained.

“It’s more visible if you do it on a weekend, on track, in the motorhome, but it’s completely regular business to discuss various technical topics.”

Lewis Hamilton won for the Silver Arrows at Hockenheim despite starting from 14th after rain led to dramatic scenes, including Vettel sliding through the gravel and into a barrier while leading.

The Brit took over the world championship lead from the German by 17 points, ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.