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Ferrari defends legality of engine after Verstappen 'cheating' jibe

AUSTIN -- AUSTIN -- Ferrari has denied accusations it was forced to adapt the way it runs its engine this weekend as a result of a technical clarification by the FIA.

Ferrari has had a clear straight-line speed advantage all season, which is believed to be related to the Italian team's superior engine performance. At some circuits it has been valued at as much as 0.8s in lap time, but in Austin the advantage was smaller.

Following six consecutive pole positions at recent races, Ferrari qualified second and fourth for the U.S. Grand Prix and struggled in the race, with Charles Leclerc finishing 52 seconds off race winner Valtteri Bottas while Sebastian Vettel retired.