F1: Ferrari Engine Cheating Penalty From 2019 Revealed

- Ferrari was reportedly forced to use less fuel as a part of the penalty
- Due to less fuel, its 2020 engine lost performance
- Even Ferrari customer teams were punished with the same penalty
There were many rumours and murmurs which claimed that Ferrari had been cheating with its 2019 engine. And when the team was unstoppable on tracks that were power-hungry in 2019, a sudden technical regulation change triggered by an investigation by the FIA caused a massive loss in power which was one of the main reasons why Ferrari and its customer teams have such a massive drop off in performance in 2020. Ferrari at the start of the 2020 season announced a secretive agreement with Formula 1, but no one technically accused Ferrari of cheating. Now, former F1 driver and F1 Stewart Mika Salo has told Finnish rally driver Kristian Sohlberg that the agreement with the authorities predicated some penalties on the great Italian team.

Ferrari had its worst season in F1 in 40 years and came P6 in the constructors
Salo revealed that FIA punished Ferrari and its customer teams by forcing them to use less fuel which was one of the main reasons behind the loss of power. "They suffered from Ferrari's cheat last year because they had Ferrari engines and were forced to use less fuel, so I think so Alfa Romeo may be in a good position if they can perform at their best in the race this season," said Salo speaking of the chances of the Alfa Romeo team which is using a new Ferrari power unit.
"So Ferrari's getting out a new engine, right?," asked Sohlberg.
"I don't know if it's a new engine but they're allowed to use it to its full power. They were not allowed last year because of Ferrari," Salo clarified.

The new Alfa Romeo car has also got a new Ferrari power unit
While Salo might right, it is also true that Ferrari is bringing an all-new power unit in 2021 and might also have a new one for 2022. Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur and Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto have already stated that Ferrari will have a competitive power unit in 2021 which will not be the worst on the grid.
Latest News
car&bike Team | Feb 28, 2026Zero-Dep Cover: The Renewal Add-on That Ensures You Don’t Pay for Parts1 min read
car&bike Team | Feb 28, 2026Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX Recalled Over Transmission Malfunction RiskThe recall affects 969 units of the Toyota Land Cruiser and 117 units of the Lexus LX.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 27, 2026New Tata Tiago EV Spied Testing On Indian Roads: Enhanced Range Incoming?Launched in India in 2022, the Tiago EV received a notable update last year, adding in newer features and some styling tweaks.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 27, 2026VLF Mobster 135 Price Hiked As Introductory Offer EndsThe Mobster 135 is now priced at Rs 1.37 lakh (ex-showroom), which marks an increase of Rs 7,000.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 27, 2026New MG plug-in hybrid SUV Spied testing In India AgainMG’s next new launch in the Indian market could be the Wuling Starlight 560-based model that has been spied on test for the second time in India.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 27, 2026Mini Cooper S Victory Edition Bookings Open In IndiaSpecial edition of the Mini hatchback commemorates the brand’s 1965 Monte Carlo Rally victory.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 28, 2026Tata Punch EV Facelift Review: More Range, More Sense, Less MoneyThe Tata Punch EV facelift gets a bigger 40 kWh battery, faster 60 kW DC charging, improved thermal management, and better real-world range, and all of that at a lower introductory price. But does it become a more complete package now?6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Feb 24, 2026Hero Destini 110 Review: Simplicity, RefinedThe Hero Destini 110 is a no-nonsense commuter that is simple, comfortable and above all, fuel efficient. In 2026, when buyers are spoilt for choice, is it good enough to consider?1 min read
Preetam Bora | Feb 23, 2026TVS Apache RTX Road Test Review: Redefining the Entry-Level ADVAfter spending some time with the TVS Apache RTX in traffic, the daily commute, as well as on open highways, one thing becomes clear: the RTX is trying to redefine the entry-level ADV segment. But is it without fault?1 min read
Girish Karkera | Feb 20, 2026Road Test: 2025 VinFast VF7 AWD Sky InfinityFlagship all-electric SUV from the Vietnamese car maker gets most of the basics right.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 18, 2026New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV FaceoffWith the new X3 30, BMW has a direct competitor to the petrol GLC 300, but which is the luxury SUV for you?1 min read


























































































































