Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has clarified the Scuderia’s position regarding the new FIA technical directive on Formula 1 power units, which also involves Mercedes, stating: “It will not be a game changer for F1.”
The FIA has introduced a new technical directive on Formula 1 engines aimed at putting an end to the debate that had emerged between Ferrari, Mercedes and the other teams during pre-season testing. The compromise reached between the governing body and the manufacturers includes new inspection procedures for the power units. However, according to Frederic Vasseur, the impact on overall performance could remain limited.
The updated directive will come into force from June 1 and introduces a significant change in how power units are checked. Until now, engines were analyzed exclusively at room temperature. Under the new procedure, they will also be tested at a temperature of 130°C.
The FIA’s objective is to ensure more accurate checks on technical parameters related to the compression ratio, a topic that had already sparked intense discussions among manufacturers during the winter period.
Fred Vasseur reveals what will change with the FIA’s new engine rule
Despite the introduction of the new directive, the Ferrari team principal does not expect a particularly significant impact on performance. “I’m not convinced that the new rule on the compression ratio will really change the game,” Fred Vasseur explained while speaking to the media.
According to the French manager, the real factor that could influence the competitive balance will instead be the evolution of energy systems. “More than anything, it will be the introduction of the ADUO that represents an opportunity for us to close the gap,” he added.
Fred Vasseur also emphasized that focusing exclusively on the engine would be a strategic mistake. The overall performance of a Formula 1 car depends on several different elements. “It’s not just about pure performance. There is a lot in energy management and a lot in the chassis. It would be a mistake for us to focus on just one parameter,” explained the Ferrari team principal.
These comments confirm Ferrari’s approach, as the Scuderia continues to work on the car’s overall package rather than concentrating on a single technical component.
The issue of starting procedures
Fred Vasseur also recalled that he had previously raised some concerns with the FIA regarding the starting procedures of the new generation of cars. In recent months, the start system has been modified, with the introduction of a five-second sequence before the lights go out.
The Ferrari team principal explained that he had already pointed out potential complications to the federation one year ago. “We had warned the FIA that there could be some difficulties with the new cars. We were told that adapting the car to the rules was the teams’ responsibility,” Fred Vasseur said. For this reason, Ferrari developed its single-seater by carefully following the regulatory framework established by the federation.
For Ferrari, the real technical battle will not be decided by a single regulatory change, but rather by the overall balance between engine performance, energy management and chassis development over the coming races.
The success of the SF-26 will therefore depend on the Maranello team’s ability to balance these complex technical requirements across varying track conditions. By maintaining a broad perspective on performance, Ferrari aims to ensure that they are not caught off guard by the evolving technical landscape of the 2026 season.
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