Ferrari SF26 power unit deficit exposed: how many horsepower behind Mercedes in 2026 F1. Ferrari lagging behind Mercedes in 2026 F1 as power unit gap revealed.

Ferrari, power unit not convincing: how many horsepower are missing compared to Mercedes

After the first three races of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the hierarchy of the new championship is already starting to take shape: Mercedes is clearly the team to beat, while Ferrari has emerged, at least so far, as the second strongest force on the grid. This early picture, shaped during the current break triggered by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, has pushed the Scuderia Ferrari to intensify its efforts in order to close the gap to Toto Wolff’s team, with particular focus on the power unit department, where a significant portion of the performance deficit is believed to originate.

To reduce this gap, the Prancing Horse is relying on ADUO, a development tool granted by the FIA that provides additional budget and extra dyno testing opportunities to manufacturers that are trailing the leaders. It is a mechanism through which Ferrari hopes to introduce an updated specification of its power unit by July. In order to maximise progress in this area, the Italian team has also strengthened its engine department, bringing in new personnel even from rival organisations.

New arrivals

Indeed, Ferrari has recruited a new engineer with Formula E experience, following a path already explored by Mercedes, which is believed to have leveraged knowledge gained in the all-electric series to improve its Formula 1 operations. This approach, judging by results, has proven effective, encouraging Maranello to adopt a similar strategy.

Ferrari has therefore reinforced its department focused on battery usage and energy deployment by hiring Maxime Martinez. The French engineer, who joined two months ago, brings experience from Nissan in Formula E, particularly in energy management systems within the car, as well as a year spent in Mercedes’ engine department, where he may have gained insight into the secrets of the Brixworth power unit operation. This addition could help Ferrari reduce the gap to Mercedes, as part of a development path that will begin with upgrades expected in Miami, while waiting for the introduction of the new engine in the summer.

Looking for horsepower in the ICE

The new 067/6 power unit must help the SF-26 avoid losing ground on the straights, where it currently suffers, according to information gathered from sources close to Maranello and also reported by Motorsport.com, a deficit of around 30 horsepower in the internal combustion engine compared to the Anglo-German unit. This is a significant gap, one that Frederic Vasseur’s team will need to close quickly in order to remain competitive against Mercedes.

However, it should be noted that within the technical vision of Loïc Serra’s staff, this deficit was not entirely unexpected. The engine department had in fact developed a concept that deliberately accepted a slight loss in horsepower in exchange for gains elsewhere, aiming for smaller radiators, improved weight distribution, and a significant reduction in drag, as well as optimised exhaust gas flow.

Ferrari now hopes to gradually eliminate this gap through a carefully defined development roadmap. As mentioned, the first updates are expected in Miami, followed by the introduction of the third power unit specification, developed with ADUO support and planned for deployment at the Belgian Grand Prix. This upgrade is intended to help Ferrari re-enter the championship battle later in the season.