RaceFans Round-up: Ferrari power unit reliability concerns “a little bigger”

In brief

Ferrari PU reliability concerns “a little bit bigger” after Monaco – Steiner

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says that concerns over the reliability of the Ferrari power unit grew after the Monaco Grand Prix.

The team had to retire driver Kevin Magnussen’s car during the race due to a water leak with his car’s ERS.

Two days earlier, Valtteri Bottas had missed almost the entire first practice session due to a Ferrari power unit problem in his Alfa Romeo. Steiner says that following the multiple problems in Monaco, concerns about the reliability of the Ferrari power units has grown.

“Obviously we had some issues, mainly in Monte Carlo – before we didn’t have any big issue with it – but Monte Carlo, there were issues for us and Alfa [Romeo], so hopefully they stop,” said Steiner.

“But you’re always concerned about this because Kevin had a good start, everything was going to plan. Obviously we couldn’t have gone up to sixth or seventh, but at least ninth, maybe he could have made it. So it’s always disappointing when you then have to stop, so that now is as well in there that there is concerns – they are always there – but after Monte Carlo they became a little bit bigger.”

Staying in midfield “not a bad thing”, says Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda says he feels that racing in the midfield for the foreseeable future will be beneficial for developing his skills and preparing him to one day race in a top team.

The 22-year-old AlphaTauri driver’s speculative prospects of moving to the senior Red Bull team in the next few years have been hampered by Sergio Perez being extended by Red Bull over the next two seasons. However, Tsunoda believes that he would gain a lot as a driver from remaining with AlphaTauri in the midfield.

“From my side, mostly I’m thinking that it’s not bad thing…