Ferrari believes that a mechanical problem caused Charles Leclerc's throttle to start locking up in the final laps of the Austrian GP.
Ferrari believes that a mechanical problem caused Charles Leclerc's throttle to start locking up in the final laps of the Austrian GP.
After opening up a comfortable lead, Leclerc had to manage his throttle sticking towards the end of the race, with rival Max Verstappen closing in.
Despite the scare, the Monegasque kept the situation under control - with his engineer's advice over the radio - and took the checkered flag.
Speaking after the race, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto indicated that Leclerc's problem was caused by a mechanical, not electrical, failure.
"I think we need to confirm, but from what I heard initially, it is more of a mechanical problem," the Italian told the media. "I cannot give any more details than that."
Having lost to Red Bull in the short race, Ferrari had an advantage over its rival throughout the 71-lap main event.
Although he believes the two cars are on a very similar level, Binotto pointed to tire degradation as the deciding factor.
"I think it's quite similar in terms of pure speed, and the qualifying is proving that," he said when asked to rate the rankings.
"I believe there is not much difference between the two cars, if there was any it was in terms of tire degradation. In the short race, I think we had a certain advantage in that respect."
"That was even more evident (on Sunday) because we started to put pressure on Max early in the race, forcing him to go faster and degrade the tires more."