Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are reportedly set to race with two different Ferrari power unit specifications at the Madrid Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc is expected to return to an engine featuring the ADUO 1 specification, while Lewis Hamilton should continue with the newer ADUO 2 version introduced at Monza.
The decision would mark the first time this season that the two Ferrari drivers have competed during the same Grand Prix weekend with different engine specifications. The reported split is linked to Ferrari’s cautious approach following Charles Leclerc’s heavy accident at the Italian Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari engine is usable, but further checks are planned
As reported in recent days, Ferrari had declared both the power unit and chassis used by Charles Leclerc at Monza suitable for reuse. The Ferrari ADUO power unit development programme has become an important part of the team’s 2026 campaign, with the latest specification having made its debut during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
However, according to AutoRacer.it, the short turnaround between the Italian Grand Prix and the Madrid race has encouraged Ferrari to take a more cautious approach at Maranello. The team does not want to risk any unpleasant surprises and intends to complete additional inspection procedures before returning Charles Leclerc’s Monza power unit to his available engine pool.
Charles Leclerc is therefore expected to compete in Madrid using one of his previously used power units, featuring an earlier specification updated to ADUO 1. Ferrari’s decision would allow the team more time to carry out detailed checks on the newer engine following the Monza accident rather than immediately returning it to service.
Lewis Hamilton set to continue with Ferrari’s ADUO 2 engine
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, is expected to continue using the ADUO 2 specification in Madrid. That would leave the two SF-26 cars running different engine specifications for the first time this season, with Charles Leclerc on ADUO 1 and Lewis Hamilton on ADUO 2.
The newer specification formed part of Ferrari’s latest power unit development phase at Monza, with the ADUO 2 upgrade including work around the turbocharger and overall power unit efficiency. Madrid will therefore provide Ferrari with an unusual direct comparison between the two specifications during the same race weekend, although the decision concerning Charles Leclerc is primarily driven by precaution rather than by a deliberate performance experiment.
Charles Leclerc could still face an engine penalty later in 2026
There is also a longer-term consequence for Charles Leclerc. The possibility of a grid penalty before the end of the season cannot be ruled out, as Charles Leclerc will most likely require another ADUO 2 power unit at some stage during the remaining races.
Ferrari’s caution comes at an important point in the season after a difficult Monza weekend, with Madrid expected to provide a very different test for the SF-26. The team will now have to manage Charles Leclerc’s available power unit allocation while continuing to evaluate the benefits of its latest development, as Madrid offers Ferrari a chance to reassess the SF-26 after Monza.
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