Ferrari could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the upcoming ADUO concessions, with fresh data suggesting the Italian team may unlock a significant performance gain in the ongoing Formula 1 campaign. As the FIA prepares to release its first official assessment of power unit performance, attention is increasingly turning toward which manufacturers stand to gain the most from the regulatory framework.
Under the current rules, any engine supplier trailing the benchmark by at least 2% becomes eligible for a performance upgrade. Should that deficit exceed 4%, teams are granted the opportunity to introduce two separate upgrades over the course of the season—an advantage that could prove decisive in a tightly contested championship battle.
Engine performance analysis highlights current pecking order
In anticipation of the FIA’s findings, independent research conducted by F1 data analysts has provided an early indication of how the various power units compare. The study examined telemetry from qualifying sessions, sprint races, and Grands Prix, filtering out anomalous laps and focusing exclusively on full-throttle phases to ensure consistency.
To isolate the contribution of the internal combustion engine, analysts assumed a uniform aerodynamic drag coefficient (CdA) across all cars and excluded the influence of hybrid systems such as ERS. This approach allowed for a more precise estimation of raw engine output across the grid.
The results underline the continued dominance of Mercedes in this area, with their power unit producing approximately 576 horsepower. This confirms the German manufacturer’s status as the reference point in terms of outright engine performance.
Red Bull Powertrains follows relatively closely with an estimated 565 horsepower, suggesting that their deficit may fall short of the threshold required to benefit from ADUO concessions. This finding reinforces the growing belief within the paddock that Red Bull’s recent performance limitations are more closely linked to chassis inefficiencies rather than a lack of engine power.
Further down the order, Ferrari is estimated to produce around 547 horsepower, placing them behind both Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains. Audi appears marginally behind the Maranello team at approximately 545 horsepower, while Honda trails the field with an estimated 519 horsepower.
Ferrari in prime position for double ADUO upgrade
These figures suggest that Ferrari, alongside Audi and Honda, falls within the critical performance window exceeding the 4% deficit threshold. As a result, all three manufacturers are likely to qualify for two engine upgrades under the ADUO system, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape as the season progresses.
For Ferrari, this scenario represents a particularly compelling opportunity. Despite a notable power shortfall of roughly 30 horsepower compared to Mercedes, the Maranello-based team has managed to remain competitive thanks to a well-balanced and efficient chassis package.
The SF-26 has demonstrated strong aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, allowing both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to consistently fight near the front of the field. Their performances indicate that the current limitation lies primarily in engine output rather than overall car concept.
Should the Italian side successfully deploy both available upgrades, the resulting performance gain could significantly reduce—or even eliminate—the existing gap to Mercedes. Such a development would not only enhance straight-line speed but also improve race pace and overtaking capability, two critical factors in modern Formula 1 competition.
Championship implications for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
The potential impact of these upgrades extends beyond technical improvements, carrying major implications for the championship fight. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have already demonstrated the ability to extract maximum performance from the current package, often compensating for the engine deficit through strong qualifying laps and strategic race execution.
If Ferrari’s power unit evolves as expected under the ADUO provisions, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton could find themselves equipped with machinery capable of consistently challenging Mercedes on equal terms. This would represent a significant shift in the competitive hierarchy and could reignite Ferrari’s ambitions of securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.
While the final confirmation will arrive with the FIA’s official report, the available data paints an encouraging picture for Ferrari. The combination of a competitive chassis and the prospect of substantial engine upgrades positions the team as a serious contender in the months ahead, potentially setting the stage for a renewed title challenge led by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
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