Ferrari have a task on their hands for the 2019 season, especially after squandering the advantage in the 2018 season, when the team had put together a car that was superior to that of Mercedes.

The team however was unable to take advantage of that superior package, as pit wall strategy and driver mistakes meant that Mercedes always stayed in the hunt.

And when Mercedes managed to get their superiority with the PU back, they were able to take full advantage of their power unit and stamp their ascendancy in the constructor’s and the driver’s championship.

Now, with Ferrari having already sorted out their power struggles with Arrivabene’s sacking and Binotto’s appointment.

And now according to reports in AutoBild, Ferrari have received a massive boost with respect to their engine ahead of the 2019 season.

Acceleration through narrow corners has improved significantly and Shell’s new oil and fuel mix has further provided an impetus to their package.

“Autobild also found out that the 2019 Ferrari PU has improved. In particular, the driveability of the acceleration out of narrow corners has been improved. In addition SHELL has worked on a perfect fuel and oil mix” AutoBild has reported.

[Autobild] Autobild also found out that the 2019 Ferrari PU has improved. In particular, the driveability of the acceleration out of narrow corners has been improved. In addition SHELL has worked on a perfect fuel and oil mix#F1 #Ferrari — tami. (@Vetteleclerc) January 10, 2019

Mercedes too have received a huge boost with respect to their engine power, with AutoBild reporting that there has been a 12HP boost for Mercedes.

[Autobild] Autobild found out that the Mercedes engine for 2019 has increased significantly in power (with same consumption like in 2018). At least 12 HP more. Especially Petronas with a new oil and fuel has helped #F1 — tami. (@Vetteleclerc) January 10, 2019

In this battle for PU supremacy, who between Ferrari and Mercedes will come out on top?