With the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season now approaching, the controversy surrounding the Mercedes engine shows no sign of fading. However, when it comes to power unit performance, Ferrari remains calm and confident, convinced that the new FIA regulation could even turn into a strategic advantage.
As the 2026 World Championship draws closer, discussions about the new power unit regulations continue to dominate conversations in the paddock. In particular, attention has focused on the potential risk that the new system could be exploited in a strategic manner. From Ferrari’s perspective, however, there is no sense of alarm. The Maranello-based team has expressed full confidence in the framework introduced by the FIA.
The new regulations introduce the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, known as ADOU, a mechanism designed to maintain competitive balance among manufacturers. The performance of the five power unit suppliers will be monitored at regular intervals, every six races, with specific evaluation windows scheduled for Miami, Spa-Francorchamps and Singapore. Depending on the performance gap relative to the leading benchmark, manufacturers may be granted one or two additional upgrade opportunities.
More specifically, a performance deficit between 2% and 4% compared to the reference will allow access to one additional upgrade, while a gap exceeding 4% will trigger two development opportunities. On paper, such a system could encourage some manufacturers to deliberately limit initial performance in order to benefit later in the season. This scenario, however, does not appear to be a concern in Maranello.
Will Ferrari initially limit its power unit?
Ferrari’s position was clarified by Enrico Gualtieri, head of the power unit department, who explained that the new regulatory framework is considered sufficiently clear and well structured. “As far as ADOU is concerned, the mechanism exists to allow additional updates and development opportunities during the season. It is a new process for everyone, it is a new process for the FIA, it is a new process for power unit manufacturers, and I believe it is quite well defined in the description of what is allowed,” he explained.
Ferrari is aware that an adaptation period will be required, particularly to fully understand the practical effects of the system, but the overall feeling within the team is that the direction is the right one. “Obviously it will take some time to get used to it, including the results, but I think it is sufficiently robust to move towards what we believe is the final objective of this mechanism. For the moment, we are certainly comfortable with the process and we remain in contact with the FIA in case of further needs, but for now it works well for us,” Gualtieri concluded.
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