Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is expecting some “huge surprises” in 2014 when the sport will undergo major regulation changes.
New 1.6 litre turbo-charged V6 engines are expected to be the biggest change facing the teams, with reliability a particular concern, but aerodynamic changes could also present a new challenge.
Domenicali described them as the biggest changes he’s seen during his career in the sport and believes it’s vital they adapt quickly to ensure they remain competitive.
“My guess is that we might see huge surprises next season in terms of the pecking order,” the Italian told the official F1 website.
“In my view – and as far as I remember – the changes that we are facing are the biggest changes we have ever had in Formula 1.
“It is really important to get it right, otherwise you are lost.”
He also revealed that Ferrari will soon redirect the majority of their focus on next year from September – a tactic many of their rivals have done or are planning to do shortly.
“All the top teams realise that if they want to be a force in 2014, then they have to start very quickly to switch resources as it is a very complex matter,” he added.
“September is the month where we will basically start to shift, as the 2014 project is very complex.
“At the end of September, we will then basically switch everyone, depending, of course, on how the situations is with the championship.”