Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has affirmed the Scuderia’s commitment to improving its power unit throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team aims to maintain its aggressive upgrade schedule, acknowledging that engine performance remains a key area for development.
The SF-26 chassis has been noted for its strong aerodynamic efficiency and cornering stability this season. However, a comparative lack of engine power against Mercedes has been identified as Ferrari’s primary deficit.
Vasseur stated that Ferrari’s goal is to “keep the pace” in its continuous development plan. This strategy involves introducing smaller, more frequent updates to the car at most race weekends.
This approach contrasts with McLaren’s philosophy, which has seen the team bring larger, less frequent upgrade packages, such as a significant floor-focused update at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have each secured a race win during the current season. Hamilton triumphed at the Spanish Grand Prix, while Leclerc claimed victory at the British Grand Prix.
Despite these wins, Ferrari currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship with 307 points, 72 points behind leaders Mercedes, who have 379 points.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes leads with 219 points. Hamilton is second with 169 points, 50 points adrift of Antonelli.
Leclerc is fourth in the standings with 138 points. George Russell, Antonelli’s teammate, holds third place with 160 points.
Vasseur acknowledged the need for power unit improvements, noting that the development inertia for engines is considerably higher than for chassis components.
Under the FIA’s Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system for 2026, Ferrari has already introduced one engine upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix. The team may be permitted a second upgrade later in the year if their power unit is deemed to be more than 2% adrift of the benchmark.
The 2026 power unit regulations feature a 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical energy, tripling the emphasis on electrical power compared to previous seasons.
Hamilton has indicated that Ferrari’s next engine development could be crucial for securing more consistent victories in the latter half of the season. He believes the team has been three to four tenths down on straights in terms of pace and power.
Mercedes Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord has stated that the team expects the championship fight to intensify after the summer break, with increased pressure on all contenders.
‘We know that we have to improve on the engine side, and we will do it, even if the inertia on the engine is much higher than the chassis,’ Vasseur stated.
Vasseur emphasized the importance of maintaining development momentum, with 11 races remaining in the 2026 calendar.
