Far from mounting a challenge to Mercedes, the recent German Grand Prix saw Ferrari leapfrogged in the standings by Red Bull as the Italian outfit's slump continues.

Having not scored a podium finish since Austria, where Kimi Raikkonen finished third as teammate Sebastian Vettel suffered a tyre failure, the pressure is on, both from the Italian media and company president Sergio Marchionne.

While the engine appears to be the strongest part of the package, the team has admitted that the SF16-H is weak aerodynamically, a situation not helped by James Allison's enforced absence and subsequent departure.

Nonetheless, Vettel insists that lessons have been learned and the team will be stronger in the second half of the season.

"We know that the last couple of races have been harsh and tough for us," he admitted, according to Autosport, "but they've been useful and we have understood a lot about our car strengths and weaknesses so we know what to focus on. It wasn't entirely clear after the first couple of races but it became more and more evident.

"It's a harsh way to find out," he continued, "and we're not as competitive as we want but we know to what to do. It's not something to change overnight but there is a plan and the second half should be stronger in that regard.

"It also depends on what other people will do," he admitted, "but for now that is the focus on ourselves."

Of course, the big question is why it has taken the Italian team a dozen races to spot the car's weaknesses.

"Some things do take time," said the German, "but overall the most important thing is that we are challenging ourselves.

"It would have been nicer to find out a bit sooner but that's how it is," he added. "The main point though is that we find out, we are always trying to improve but as I said the last races in this regard have been very educational in finding out our potential weaknesses."

Though, like its rivals, attention has switched to next season, especially with the new regulations that are coming, but the German insists his team hasn't given up on this year.

"There is some stuff coming and that has always been the plan," he said, "but like everyone else we are already preparing big time on 2017. It is a different project and the cars will be very different but there are still some things that we can learn and understand this year which will help us next year."