Charles Leclerc holds the conviction that significant improvements are attainable across every aspect of Ferrari’s Formula 1 vehicle for 2026, encompassing its engine, structural framework, aerodynamic design, and tire handling capabilities.
This season, Ferrari has positioned itself as the primary competitor to Mercedes, yet it was unable to stop the Silver Arrows from securing victories in the initial three Grand Prix events, despite Ferrari achieving front-row lockouts.
The Scuderia openly acknowledges a performance deficit in its power unit compared to the German manufacturer. This disparity is probably due, in part, to Mercedes’ clever understanding of engine compression ratio regulations; however, this regulatory loophole will be eliminated subsequent to the season’s fifth race in Canada.
Nevertheless, Ferrari requires enhancements to its powertrain. The ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system could offer avenues for these, permitting an extra upgrade to manufacturers whose engines are 2% to 4% less powerful than the leading engine, and two upgrades for those trailing by more than 4%. This procedure is anticipated to take place following the season’s sixth, twelfth, and eighteenth events.
However, Leclerc asserts that it would be erroneous for the team from Maranello to concentrate exclusively on the engine’s output.
“Undoubtedly, Mercedes’ power units currently hold a substantial advantage over ours,” Leclerc conveyed to Sky Sports F1. This statement came after he conceded two-tenths of a second per lap to Oscar Piastri and George Russell early in the Japanese Grand Prix, leading him to feel “disheartened” relative to his competitors because he couldn’t “perceive” the power as effectively. Lewis Hamilton, in the same race, voiced concerns about possessing ‘even less’ power than his teammate.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
“While this remains a central point of attention,” Leclerc proceeded, “it is crucial to remember that substantial advancements can also be achieved by enhancing the chassis, refining the aerodynamics, optimizing tire performance, and all these collective elements contribute significantly to overall distinction. Therefore, while we cannot alter the engine presently, by the time we reach that stage, every component surrounding the car will require absolute improvement.”
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, echoed this viewpoint, committing to persistent effort to narrow the performance difference between the Scuderia and Mercedes.
“We are aware of our straight-line speed disadvantage and must address it, but that is the current reality,” the French executive remarked.
“Certainly, we have extensive work ahead, as does everyone in the paddock. Given that it’s the initial phase of the car’s homologation, there are numerous areas for enhancement.”
“Currently, following three races, we possess valuable data to gauge the car’s competitive standing, identifying both our satisfactory and unsatisfactory aspects. This implies that performance improvements are required across the board, necessitating advancement in every individual performance domain.”
“I am confident this holds true for us, and equally for every other team on the grid. Consequently, the challenge lies more in making a superior leap forward compared to our rivals, rather than just a gradual improvement.”
