The Maranello outfit has closed the gap to Mercedes in power terms this year, but still needs a further step forward if it is to regularly beat the reigning champions.

It had been considering using some of the 10 development tokens it has left for more power, but now thinks it is better off waiting until nearer the end of the campaign to ensure it maximises what it can change.

When asked in his Italian media session at the Monaco Grand Prix about the plan for engine tokens, team principal Maurizio Arrivabene said: “In Canada we will not use the tokens.

“But do not ask me when we will do it, because I do not want to give the information to the Germans [Mercedes]. I want a bit of [Italian] nationalism...”

Qualifying form key focus

Sebastian Vettel's strong race pace in the Monaco GP suggested that the team remained a threat to Mercedes on Sundays – even if it knows it needs to do better in qualifying.

Arrivabene said the team needs now to work out what it can do to improve single lap pace.

“Mercedes since the beginning of last year were very, very quick in qualifying,” he said. “They are very strong and this is an indication for us of what we have to focus our attention on the future.

“If you are going to start from a good position on the grid then the race is going to be easier, because when you have air in front of you and not another competitor it is good for you, good for tyres.

“You know if you get close to another competitor then the consumption of tyres goes very fast, so it is something we have to work on.”