Although the 2023 Formula 1 season has not yet officially begun, Ferrari is reportedly under scrutiny from its rivals due to an innovation on its car.
The FIA has been asked to clarify the legality of a component, according to Formu1a.uno.
The part in question is the S-duct concept on the SF-23, which was launched at Fiorano earlier this month.
Unique components like this are often highlighted in F1 as competitors ensure that their rivals are operating within the regulations.
The S-duct part has been revised for the 2023 season to optimise airflow to the rear of the car.
However, the complexity of the idea and its integration into Ferrari’s chassis means it is unlikely that rivals will be able to copy it in the short term.
Teams are also still discovering details regarding the current generation of technical regulations, which were introduced last year – meaning there are likely more discoveries and FIA requests coming down the line.
Ferrari enters the season looking to build upon its 2022 form, which saw it return to the top of the podium for the first time since 2019.
It looked to be in championship contention in the early rounds before Red Bull and Max Verstappen went on to dominate the year.
Ferrari was plagued by a number of issues, including reliability which stopped race-winning charges in Spain and Azerbaijan.
“If you don’t have the reliability, then you are not able to do these three days and then you start on the wrong foot,” team boss Frederic Vasseur said.
“We have done the mileage we needed to do on the dyno and we are all optimistic, but only Bahrain will tell us where we are in terms of engine performance. So far it is ok.”
Ferrari will hit the track later this week for pre-season testing, which takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit.
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