“We are working on all elements of our package, although it is a bit more difficult on the power unit as it is frozen at the moment.
“So we need to make progress in different areas,” Vasseur underlined.
Ferrari engine upgrade and circuit-specific strengths
For the time being, aerodynamic updates will be the priority for teams across the field. Given how the freshness of these 2026 regulations, there is immense room for improvement – both in terms of peak downforce and set-up optimisation.
With that said, power unit development will perhaps be of even greater importance.
Under the regulations, engine upgrades are permissible under ADUO – Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities. This mechanism has been implemented to allow manufacturers to overturn any early deficits.
In order to be eligible for ADUO, an engine must be more than 2% slower than the fastest. This means that Ferrari’s power unit deficit to Mercedes must exceed this margin to introduce improvements mid-season.
The FIA measures this 2% figure across different parts of the season – rounds 1-6, 7-12 and 13-18. After each of these phases, a decision will be made to determine which manufacturers fall within the criteria.
To some extent, this is why speculation has emerged that Mercedes still aren’t running their engine at the highest mode – even on race day.
After all, minimising their perceived advantage can limit the manoeuvrability for rivals to develop and close the gap.
Still, at least for now, Ferrari expect to fall within this eligibility. This is why the factory in Maranello is working diligently to make improvements to the battery and ICE of their 2026 power unit.
Furthermore, conscious that bigger overhauls require more time, the Scuderia are working on more transformative alterations for 2027. In traditional fashion, Formula 1’s development race will consist of battles on multiple fronts.
