Introduced in early 1941, the 109F was arguably the finest variant of the series. It outclassed the contemporary Spitfire Mk II in speed, climb rate, and high-altitude performance.

Spitfire versus Messerschmitt Bf 109 - Hush-Kit Aviation World

The primary British fighter following the Battle of Britain, it used an improved Merlin XII engine to redress the balance against the earlier Bf 109E, but it struggled to keep pace with the newer "Friedrich". Performance Comparison