For the past couple of weeks, a standoff has been brewing between the FIA and Red Bull over the ADUO regulations. Despite this, Ferrari is ready to bring its first engine upgrade of the season to Austria. How many additional horsepower can we expect? Here is what has emerged from the paddock.
The Maranello team triumphed at the Barcelona GP with Lewis Hamilton, thanks to an upgrade package that delivered a whopping three-tenths of a second in performance. While the political tug-of-war between the FIA and Red Bull continues in the background, Ferrari appears set to unleash its first ADUO-powered engine update in Austria. The big question on everyone’s mind is exactly how much extra power this will unlock.
Many inside the paddock have praised Ferrari’s development work on the SF-26, noting the massive three-tenths gain from the package introduced in Spain. The car has shown significant improvement in tire management and temperature control, complemented by under-the-skin changes that have successfully minimized aerodynamic flow leakage. A tighter engine cover and revised bodywork have ultimately driven a major step forward in efficiency. The Scuderia is finally reaping the rewards of the work done by Loic Serra, Diego Tondi, and Frank Sanchez. The next stop is Austria, which should mark the debut of their first engine update—unless the ongoing friction between the FIA and Red Bull complicates the Italian team’s plans.
Ferrari engine: ADUO upgrade 99% confirmed for Spielberg
Following the leak of the ADUO values, Red Bull elected to request a review of the procedure to further verify the evaluation methods. Their Power Unit was taken as the benchmark for the internal combustion engine, placing Mercedes in the slightly lower bracket, which grants them a 2% concession. This translates to one upgrade in 2026 and another in 2027. Ferrari, on the other hand, sits between 6% and 8%, allowing them two upgrades this year and two next year. Naturally, the budget available to the Italian squad is significantly higher, as are their permitted dyno hours. Audi finds itself in the same position, while Honda is even further behind. However, according to AutoRacer.it, no changes are expected, meaning the ADUO values will remain as they are now that the rankings have been communicated to the manufacturers.
The 40 to 45 horsepower deficit cannot be recovered with a single engine update, leaving Ferrari to carefully evaluate its next move. The team had to choose between bringing a minor upgrade now—utilizing the development already prepared by accelerating the €3 million allowed under the 2% rule—or waiting another six races to introduce a new homologation with potentially higher performance gains. Taking the latter path would have allowed the Scuderia to work not only on materials and degradation management but also on elements designated as ‘open’. Ultimately, the decision has been made.
If all goes to plan, Ferrari is ready to introduce its first power unit upgrade starting as early as the Austrian GP, which will also feature an updated Shell fuel blend. It is worth noting, however, that this will be a minor step under the “ADUO 1” phase, granting the SF-26 an additional 5 horsepower with the ICE 3. As reported by Matteo Bobbi, the true leap in performance is expected to arrive at Monza with “ADUO 2” following the next data assessment in six races. Time will tell if this will be enough for the SF-26 to fight at the front on a Spielberg track that demands heavy power and efficient energy deployment, all while keeping a close eye on reliability.
Ferrari’s strategic development path therefore highlights their determination to close the performance gap through targeted engine upgrades and aerodynamic refinements. By balancing immediate minor gains in Austria with a more substantial power boost planned for Monza, the team aims to maximize the SF-26’s potential within the evolving ADUO regulatory framework.
