F1: Ferrari "behind the curve," says boss

Ferrari is "behind the curve" in developing its Formula 1 car this year despite making constant improvements, according to team principal Marco Mattiacci.

In Canada, the team produced its least competitive showing since the former CEO of Ferrari North America took over the squad, with Fernando Alonso qualifying seventh and only on course for a ninth placed finish until a spate of late retirements elevated him to sixth. Both Alonso and teammate Kimi Raikkonen struggled for speed despite an upgrade package introduced ahead of the race.

Mattiacci said Ferrari has improved the F14T, but was being out-developed by rival teams.

"We were expecting Canada to be a tough race," Mattiacci admitted. "We have seen some small improvements overall on the car, but we are not improving better than the others.

"That is the secret of Formula 1 – you need to be ahead of the curve. We are not."

Alonso said the high temperatures in Canada had compromised Ferrari's update package.

"We did improve the aero performance, [but] there were some parts we didn't use due to the temperatures," Alonso said. "On the engine side, there were minimal changes, so I don't think the step there was something we could feel."

Nevertheless, the double world champion backed Mattiacci to turn the team's dwindling fortunes around.

"Since the arrival of Marco Mattiacci, I think things are moving in the right direction," Alonso added. "He has a good vision and a very clever approach. We're just going to get stronger and stronger."