Ferrari have taken a step forward since the Italian Grand Prix. They brought in a new upgrade to increase their engine power and it seems to be working for them. Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto explains how the new upgrade has helped the team in their newfound pace.

The Italian team have closed the gap to their rivals McLaren significantly. They seem like the faster of the two cars currently after the conclusion of the US GP in Austin, Texas.

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It’s a really big step forwards: Mattia Binotto

As reported by Formula1.com, the Italian mentioned that despite the progress, they are still not the fastest engine on the grid. He also stated that despite running high downforce, they can now match the top speed of other teams.

“The power is always available with the straight line so you get the benefit at the start of the straight line and as well at the end,” said Binotto.

“I think the way we can quantify if we look at this weekend; we are running max downforce but we are somehow matching the speed of others–or almost matching the speed of the others.”

“If you consider last year, it’s a really big step forwards. We still know there is a gap to the best engine today, but we believe that gap is not so dramatic…” added Mattia.

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Ferrari team boss analyzes their performance in US GP

Ferrari finished the US GP in fourth and seventh place in the race. Charles Leclerc put in an astonishing performance to finish 35 seconds ahead of Ricciardo. While Sainz finished ahead of Lando in the race. Binotto was happy with the performance of Ferrari at COTA.

“On paper, it [COTA] was not a circuit that was suiting obviously our car so that’s why I am pleased with the progress we have seen in the last races, certainly helped by the power unit in the quali and the race and that gives me confidence as well for the next races,” said Binotto.

Ferrari are now just 3.5 points behind McLaren in the constructor’s championship. They also seem to have the faster car for the remaining 5 races. Can they finish in P3? Let us know.