Charles Leclerc has recently provided insights into Ferrari’s ongoing power unit difficulties and shared the team’s plans for upcoming upgrades at the Miami Grand Prix, aimed at closing the performance gap with Mercedes. As the Formula 1 season progresses, the points deficit is becoming increasingly significant, with Ferrari trailing Mercedes by 45 points with only three races and a single Sprint event remaining on the calendar.
While the Ferrari SF-26 is widely regarded as having one of the strongest chassis packages on the grid, the team has struggled to match the efficiency and output of the Mercedes power unit developed in Brackley. Analysts and insiders have discussed this shortfall extensively in recent months, noting that the Silver Arrows are able to exploit every available horsepower more effectively and manage energy deployment more efficiently throughout a lap—an aspect that has proven crucial for the performance of the new generation of Formula 1 cars.
Ferrari is therefore looking forward to receiving initial support from the FIA through the new ADUO system, which is one of the regulatory elements introduced for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, the Maranello-based engineers are actively exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the deficit against the leading teams. For the Miami race weekend, Ferrari has prepared a set of upgrades, including software refinements specifically aimed at optimizing energy deployment and improving overall power unit performance.
Charles Leclerc Explains Ferrari’s Current Limitations
Following the Japanese Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc provided a detailed assessment of Ferrari’s current weaknesses and potential strategies to regain ground on Mercedes. He explained that while the team’s power unit is currently the main limiting factor, there are multiple areas where performance gains can still be made. The Monegasque emphasized that the SF-26’s strengths extend beyond the engine, highlighting the importance of development across all aspects of the car.
Charles Leclerc noted that with the season still in its early stages, all teams are evolving rapidly, and Ferrari must optimize various elements to remain competitive. Key areas identified include tyre management, ensuring that the tyres remain within the optimal operating window, as well as aerodynamic and chassis enhancements. The Ferrari squad plans to work intensively on these components to reduce the gap to Mercedes and maintain their position ahead of rivals like Red Bull and McLaren.
In essence, Charles Leclerc outlined that while Ferrari’s power unit represents the primary challenge at present, substantial progress can still be achieved through targeted improvements in tyres, aerodynamics, and chassis setup. By combining these efforts with the planned Miami upgrades, Ferrari hopes to significantly narrow the performance deficit to Mercedes and enhance its competitiveness in the remaining races of the season.
Overall, the Maranello team remains committed to accelerating development and leveraging every opportunity to regain lost ground, demonstrating a clear strategy to strengthen both the SF-26’s power unit performance and overall race pace in the crucial stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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