There are several reasons why Ferrari chose to begin the SF-26 campaign with a power unit that was reliable and well understood, but not especially aggressive in terms of outright performance. Here is what sits behind that decision, and what changes are expected with the updated Ferrari power unit set to arrive in Belgium.
The Prancing Horse is currently analysing every weakness of the car. The engine performance deficit to Mercedes is believed to be in the region of 30 horsepower, and there are growing concerns about Ferrari potentially failing to secure the maximum ADUO concession threshold of 4%. Achieving that level would allow the team to accelerate both development and understanding of the upgraded power unit expected later this season in Belgium.
The FIA will only confirm the ADUO concessions after the Canadian Grand Prix, but in Maranello, work is already progressing not only on the current package but also on the 2027 car, which could face significant revisions if a potential ban on the FTM device is confirmed. Here are the details and background surrounding Ferrari’s failed first engine concept under Wolf Zimmermann.
Why Ferrari cannot recover 30 horsepower with a single engine upgrade
According to Giuliano Duchessa in Corriere della Sera, Ferrari’s current engine was not the unit originally planned for the project. The initial concept reportedly revealed major issues and several malfunctions, including difficulties in combustion management and unexpectedly high thermal degradation.
The key mistake appears to have been an overly optimistic assessment of the energy efficiency that could realistically be extracted from the combustion chamber. After Wolf Zimmermann departed for Audi, Enrico Gualtieri and his department were given greater authority and an opportunity to correct the situation, albeit under tight financial and time constraints.
Ferrari therefore chose to start the season with what was effectively a transitional power unit: an internal combustion engine that was dependable and familiar, but not particularly extreme or competitive in performance terms.
At the same time, Ferrari’s engine department had already begun bench development work on a different power unit featuring a revised architecture, originally intended for introduction in 2027—or earlier if circumstances demanded it. As things stand, that moment appears to have arrived.
With the current power unit, Ferrari has been clever in how it has exploited the exhaust valve under traction and during race starts. Mercedes, however, continues to enjoy a major advantage thanks to a highly stable compression ratio and excellent combustion efficiency, allowing more effective battery recharging with a more consistent energy delivery profile.
The new Ferrari engine is not expected to be an instant miracle solution, but rather a platform requiring long-term development. A single upgrade package simply cannot erase a 30-horsepower disadvantage overnight.
What will be crucial is understanding what level of ADUO concessions Ferrari will actually receive. The Italian team was aware it would begin this cycle at a disadvantage, and the evolved power unit expected in Belgium should feature revised materials and an updated architecture.
That new package is expected to be installed on the SF-26 through dedicated hardware modifications and corresponding changes to the cooling system. Further regulatory adjustments are also on the horizon, including the future 60/40 split between combustion and electric power, which may eventually lead to different component dimensions and packaging solutions.
As Ferrari pushes to rectify these early-season hurdles, the technical shift at Maranello signals a long-term commitment to reclaiming its status as a power unit benchmark. By addressing the fundamental flaws of the initial Zimmermann design and focusing on more sustainable combustion stability, the team aims to provide Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton with the tools needed to challenge the current Mercedes dominance. The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will therefore become a real test for whether this architectural pivot can successfully put the Scuderia back on the path to championship contention.
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