Vettel and Leclerc brush aside suspicions surrounding Ferrari engine

The blow of less good Ferrari in the United States, at the end of a weekend where the FIA ​​circulated a technical directive concerning the flow meter of V6 turbo hybrids, did not fail to fuel speculation. 

Max Verstappen did not pull any punches by outright accusing the Scuderia of cheating before the federal directive was issued, hence the drop in performance recorded in Texas. In Austin, Sebastian Vettel did not wish to respond to the Batavian's accusations, contenting himself with a polite shrug and a knowing smile. 

Raised on the subject in the Interlagos paddock, the quadruple world champion, who will make his 100th start in Ferrari colors this Sunday, was a bit more talkative. 

« Everyone has the right to their opinion and we live in a time where anyone can say anything and they will be heard., said Vettel. I think this is not professional or mature. I know you would prefer that I answer him but that's not my style ». 

The Italian engine has attracted all the attention since the end of the summer break and the series of six pole positions in a row recorded by Ferrari between Belgium and Mexico. 

After the American misstep, Vettel says he is convinced that the house of Maranello has the means to bounce back on the heights of Sao Paulo but the German does not make it revenge against those who accuse the Scuderia. 

« Mercedes had the best engine in the last 5 years; it seems that our thruster has been the reference for 6 months, added Vettel. I hope that will be the case for the next 5 seasons and I don't care what people think.

We don't do F1 to silence his detractors but to win. Afterwards, if we manage to brush aside the criticism by scoring a double on Sunday it will be a positive and welcome side effect ». 

After describing Verstappen's comments as " joke " in the USA, Charles Leclerc insisted that the accusations of the Batavian with the hanging tongue were unfounded. 

« They have no idea what we do internally », declared the Monegasque who ensures that he does not feel hurt by his rival's outing on the microphone. “ It’s just a bit stupid, we laugh about it among ourselves », concluded Leclerc. 

Asked about his American comments, Verstappen did not want to repeat it. « I prefer not to say anything more on the subject », blurted the Dutchman.  The message had already been sent.