Ferrari tracking Mercedes’ engine “tricks” via GPS data: is Maranello concerned?. Ferrari has been carefully analyzing the Mercedes power unit after Bahrain testing.

It appears that Ferrari has been closely observing the Mercedes power unit during the Bahrain pre-season tests, drawing early conclusions about its capabilities. “In Maranello there’s a belief that…”, could the Italian team be genuinely concerned about the Brackley-engineered PU? Early insights and driver comments hint at both respect and caution.

Leclerc on the Mercedes power unit

“Mercedes is showing some really impressive things at times, but I’d say they are hiding much more,” Charles Leclerc remarked on the final day of the Bahrain test sessions. His words underline the uncertainty surrounding the performance of the German engine. Next week, a clearer picture is expected regarding the Mercedes power unit, particularly after discussions around compression ratios and regulatory limits. Could the compression ratio really become a defining factor in the 2026 season? It’s impossible to say at this point. Despite restrictions, the Mercedes engine could still retain a meaningful advantage. Rumors suggest that the power unit may have already passed the new static tests requested by the constructors to the FIA. The situation is fluid, but Ferrari seems to have a strong belief about where things stand.

Analyzing GPS data from the Mercedes PU

“In Maranello, there’s a belief that the Mercedes power unit has something extra, particularly in the area of energy recovery,” explained F1 expert PierGiuseppe Donadoni in a recent article for AutoRacer.it. According to the Italian publication, Ferrari was able to identify the strengths of the Mercedes PU during the very first tests. GPS data collected between Barcelona and the first Bahrain sessions played a key role in this evaluation.

For Ferrari, having a competitive engine early in the season will be crucial, yet it’s worth noting that the 2026 regulation changes are broad enough to spread performance strengths across different areas of each team’s car. While Mercedes may be ahead in terms of battery recharging capabilities, Ferrari has developed the SF-26 with highly aggressive aerodynamic concepts, especially around the diffuser. This could help balance the scales in areas where Mercedes currently shows an advantage.

Potential performance gaps and regulatory updates

Toto Wolff’s Mercedes team could indeed begin the season with a clear performance edge, which would also benefit McLaren, who appear to have a competitive chassis this year. On Wednesday, February 18, the F1 Commission is expected to make a definitive decision regarding compression ratios. Any new rules implemented could end up favoring Ferrari the most, potentially narrowing the gap with Mercedes.

Despite these concerns, Ferrari’s start to the 2026 season shows a team that is solid and well-prepared, with a strong base already evident from the first laps of testing. There is also the ongoing discussion about race starts, where Maranello appears to be actively opposing potential issues, possibly securing yet another advantage. In Formula 1, balance and momentum can shift in an instant, and Ferrari seems determined to remain at the forefront of both development and strategy.