In the Formula 1 paddock, a general consensus is beginning to emerge regarding the battle between Ferrari and Mercedes. Some observers believe there is a very specific reason why the Scuderia should “smile” despite the competitive fight. Here are the details behind that growing perception.
The Prancing Horse has already shown at the start of the season that it can challenge Mercedes even on a circuit that was not particularly suited to the characteristics of the SF-26. “The reason Ferrari has to smile is…” – according to what many insiders are saying in the paddock, there is now a broad agreement regarding the performance level of the red car, with one key factor ultimately making the difference.
At Maranello, engineers have already been working for a couple of months on a completely new engine concept. The thermal part of the current unit is essentially the same as the 2025 version, although slightly more evolved, and it has very limited development margins left. After the reliability problems encountered with Zimmermann’s project, Ferrari decided to opt for a ‘Plan B’ solution that would guarantee, above all, a crucial level of reliability.
Within the team there was full awareness of being at a disadvantage compared to Mercedes in terms of outright engine performance. Thanks to the ADUO system, however, the new Power Unit — redesigned in its architecture — could already make its debut during the current season, potentially after the Belgian Grand Prix or at Monza. If the development timeline does not allow it, the new engine package will instead be introduced in 2027.
Energy management a key element, but is Ferrari the fastest car?
“In the paddock there is a general consensus that the SF-26 is the most efficient car. However, it is important to underline that Mercedes compensates for any advantage the SF-26 has in the corners thanks to the power of its engine. This is due to better energy management and a higher compression ratio. McLaren’s Lando Norris said that the data allowed them to determine that Ferrari was the fastest in the corners. Adrian Newey, on the starting grid, observed and noted the aerodynamic details of the SF-26.”
These were the words of journalist Julianne Cerasoli, who closely follows the atmosphere and discussions taking place in the Formula 1 paddock. From the available data it appears that the car from Maranello is extremely strong in terms of chassis performance and aerodynamic efficiency. However, the German team — despite also having a solid car overall — manages to compensate for these strengths thanks to the power delivered by its engine.
Other circuits, however, could tell a very different story compared to Australia, where the Ferrari package was not particularly favored by the track characteristics. “The main reason why Ferrari has to smile, despite everything, is the nature of the circuit. Albert Park has been a real headache for this generation of cars. Mercedes’ margin over the rest of the field on Saturday was enormous. This was also largely due to the way energy was deployed on an unusual circuit. Looking at the data, the differences in energy deployment between Ferrari and Mercedes represented the fundamental difference in lap times. Ferrari was faster in the slow corners. In 2026, this is a good representation of the car’s performance. With active aerodynamics there are no longer downforce considerations that can cloud the picture,” Jolyon Palmer explained while speaking to F1 microphones.
Energy management therefore makes a huge difference in overall performance. Mercedes clearly knows how to use its software tools effectively compared to McLaren. In the slower sections of the track, the strengths of the Prancing Horse become more visible, which could allow Ferrari to close the gap even further during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
“All of this indicates that they could get closer. They could even be the first to set the pace on other circuits. Ferrari and Mercedes seem to have strengths and weaknesses at opposite ends of the spectrum, and Albert Park is an isolated case — a track that strongly favored Mercedes’ technical direction,” he concluded.
