Ferrari F1 update package no "game changer", says Vettel
Sebastian Vettel believes Ferrari's updated car package is no "game changer", but says that the team is still lacking information on how good it is.
Ferrari has started the introduction of an aero revamp of its SF1000 to address flaws it discovered with its design in pre-season testing.
It managed to fast-track an introduction of a major update package to last weekend's Styrian Grand Prix, which had originally been planned for the Hungarian race.
However, the team lacked enough meaningful running with it thanks to poor weather and then the first-lap collision between Vettel and Charles Leclerc.
The car specification will remain unchanged for this weekend, with Ferrari's focus since the Styrian race having been on replacing the parts that were broken last weekend.
While there is some optimism that there has been an improvement, Vettel said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix that hopes of a major step forward have not materialised.
"We know that the parts have worked," he said. "We would have liked them to be obviously a game changer: it doesn't look at this stage, like that.
"But then again we have to confirm them in real race conditions. So I think it will be interesting and we are excited about seeing where the car will be tomorrow and then especially in the race."
While Ferrari struggled to match rivals on the straights at the Red Bull Ring, the team is not expecting the tighter Hungaroring to be much better for its car.
Leclerc said: "I think realistically we are struggling with the performance at the moment, so I don't think we can consider us fighting for podiums at the moment. But we try to change that. And we are trying to work as hard as possible to change this."
Asked if the nature of the Hungaroring, which is less power sensitive, would make it a better hunting ground for Ferrari, Leclerc said: "So, again, a difficult one as last year I think we were also struggling on this track.
"This year we have a different car. Hopefully the changes made on the balance will help us, but I doubt it will be a very different picture to the previous weekend. So I'm expecting that it will be a similar picture."
Related video
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
F1 grid box tweaks will not eradicate problems, says Alonso
F1 grid box tweaks will not eradicate problems, says Alonso F1 grid box tweaks will not eradicate problems, says Alonso
Perez: Red Bull no longer a one-car F1 operation
Perez: Red Bull no longer a one-car F1 operation Perez: Red Bull no longer a one-car F1 operation
Vettel could be an option for shock F1 comeback with Aston Martin
Vettel could be an option for shock F1 comeback with Aston Martin Vettel could be an option for shock F1 comeback with Aston Martin
Vettel reveals “huge” admiration for rally drivers
Vettel reveals “huge” admiration for rally drivers Vettel reveals “huge” admiration for rally drivers
The factors behind Vettel’s priority shift in his final F1 chapter
The factors behind Vettel’s priority shift in his final F1 chapter The factors behind Vettel’s priority shift in his final F1 chapter
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
Russell, Norris back calls to reduce F1 practice time
Russell, Norris back calls to reduce F1 practice time Russell, Norris back calls to reduce F1 practice time
FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies
FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies FIA widens F1 grid boxes after Ocon and Alonso penalty controversies
NASCAR 2023 Richmond schedule, entry list, and how to watch
NASCAR 2023 Richmond schedule, entry list, and how to watch NASCAR 2023 Richmond schedule, entry list, and how to watch
Verstappen: Illness in Saudi made me feel I'm "missing a lung”
Verstappen: Illness in Saudi made me feel I'm "missing a lung” Verstappen: Illness in Saudi made me feel I'm "missing a lung”
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The state of play in F1's technical silly season
The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.