Is Mercedes sandbagging? 'Engine down by 40hp at Monaco'

Ferrari surprisingly topped the timesheet after the second free practice for the Monaco Grand Prix. Yet, according to Italian journalists, that is not the picture we can expect from Saturday, as Mercedes had scaled back the engine.

Ferrari surprised friend and foe on Thursday during the first and second free practice. Where the Italians have been battling McLaren for third place in recent races, they were now suddenly on the front row. Red Bull Racing and Mercedes point out Ferrari as a serious opponent, but Mercedes seems to have more to offer.

According to journalists from Motorsport.it Mercedes' engine seems to have delivered a lot less power than Ferrari's. When looking at the telemetry, it appears that Ferrari is gaining ground on these parts. According to the medium Mercedes (according to rumours) lost 40bhp on Thursday.

Engine power is obviously not essential in Monaco, but 40hp is a lot of power. With small differences between all drivers, turning back the engine can make you lose a few places. It could explain the gap to Mercedes. It is not clear yet if Honda had turned the engine back as well.