The reduced calendar accelerates ADUO power unit parameter review: Miami becomes a key technical turning point with the first updates. Can Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes?
The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix could represent a small but meaningful advantage for engine manufacturers looking to recover ground on Mercedes. As a result, Ferrari could benefit from this situation, either directly or indirectly, as the revised schedule creates new opportunities for performance adjustments.
Ferrari SF-26 between ADUO and aerodynamic updates
Clearly, during this unexpected break in the Formula 1 calendar, teams are not only focusing on power unit development but also working extensively on mechanical components and, above all, aerodynamic performance. Ferrari, in particular, is expected to introduce a substantial upgrade package for the SF-26 in the United States. This package could once again include the much-discussed “macarena” rear wing configuration.
However, more clarity will emerge soon, starting with the filming day scheduled for late April at Monza. During this session, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will test the new package that is set to be introduced at the following race weekend in Miami, offering the first real indications of Ferrari’s development direction.
Ferrari: ADUO could represent a turning point
More importantly, at this stage of the season, attention is focused on what can be achieved through the ADUO framework. At the beginning of the championship, all engine manufacturers had agreed that power-related data would be analyzed four times throughout the season, effectively dividing the calendar into blocks of six races. Any approvals for performance updates would therefore be granted only after each six-race cycle.
However, due to the cancellation of the two aforementioned Grands Prix amid tensions in the Persian Gulf, the first evaluation cycle will now conclude after just four races. As a result, the FIA will carry out a final review of all collected data during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
This adjustment means that the revised ADUO parameters will effectively become available immediately after Miami—after four races instead of the originally planned six. This earlier window could prove crucial for teams aiming to unlock additional performance from their power units.
Ferrari is hoping to gain an increase in engine power precisely through this mechanism, fully aware that the majority of its deficit to Mercedes is not related to chassis or aerodynamic performance. As has been explained multiple times, in technical and high-speed sections, the SF-26 has, in certain circumstances, even proven to be more competitive than the W17.
The main shortcoming lies in the power unit. Therefore, Ferrari is counting on the compressed calendar and the upcoming regulatory reviews to better align with its development needs. It is also important not to overlook the changes to compression ratio measurement methods, which will come into force on June 1 and could further reshape the competitive landscape of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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