Scuderia Ferrari are intensifying efforts to close the performance gap to key rivals Mercedes and McLaren, with a significant power unit update planned for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. The development is viewed internally as a potentially decisive step in restoring competitiveness, particularly after the difficulties experienced by Lewis Hamilton in recent races.
The seven-time world champion had reportedly expressed clear dissatisfaction following the Japanese Grand Prix, where battery-related limitations and power delivery inconsistencies compromised his performance. While such remarks were not believed to have been well received within the Maranello-based team, the frustration was widely understood given the technical nature of the issue. Hamilton’s concerns have since been acknowledged internally, with Ferrari moving swiftly to identify solutions.
As part of this response, Ferrari has organized additional preparation work, including a dedicated private test involving Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Miami weekend. The objective is to better understand and refine the behavior of the SF-26 power unit, particularly in relation to energy deployment and recovery systems, which have been at the center of the so-called “superclipping” problem.
According to reports from Italian journalist Paolo Filisetti, the Maranello team is planning to introduce a comprehensive software upgrade for its engine system in Miami. This update is expected to focus on optimizing battery management, refining energy harvesting processes, and improving deployment strategies throughout a lap. The revised software is designed to introduce new operational algorithms that will allow drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to better manage electrical energy, thereby reducing the risk of performance losses caused by excessive energy depletion on straights.
It is understood that the new system aims to address one of Ferrari’s most significant weaknesses in the early part of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Superclipping—where electrical energy runs out before the end of long straights—has led to a notable drop in top speed and overall lap time, placing Ferrari at a disadvantage compared to its direct competitors. By implementing more advanced control strategies, the team hopes to unlock more consistent performance from its hybrid power unit.
Earlier indications had suggested that regulatory or procedural hurdles from the FIA might delay the introduction of such updates. However, recent developments point to Ferrari pushing aggressively to have the revised software ready in time for Miami. Despite this, the timeline remains extremely tight, and there is still uncertainty over whether the upgrade will be fully validated before race weekend.
Work at Maranello has reportedly intensified, with both the engine and electronics departments operating at maximum capacity to finalize the new system. Engineers and technicians are focusing not only on development but also on ensuring that the updated algorithms can be properly tested and verified under real track conditions prior to deployment in a competitive environment. This phase is considered critical to avoid introducing unforeseen reliability or performance issues.
At the same time, Ferrari is also maintaining a strategic focus on its rivals. The Italian team is understood to have raised questions regarding the use of specific engine modes by both Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, particularly in qualifying scenarios where short bursts of additional performance appear to be available. This suggests that Ferrari is not only working to improve its own package but also closely monitoring potential competitive advantages elsewhere on the grid.
Looking ahead to the next round of the 2026 Formula 1 championship, the Miami Grand Prix, Ferrari is aiming to arrive with renewed momentum and a more competitive technical package. The team has already demonstrated flashes of strong performance earlier in the season, and there is optimism that resolving the superclipping issue could unlock a higher level of consistency and pace. If successful, the upgrade could play a key role in enabling Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to challenge more effectively at the front, particularly against Mercedes and McLaren, who have set the benchmark in the opening races of the 2026 campaign.
