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Formula 1 are considering reducing downforce levels for the 2027 season, and it would be a disaster for Ferrari.
The new technical regulations have come under scrutiny since the 2026 season began, with the Miami Grand Prix seeing numerous changes in the name of safety and to prevent excess super-clipping during qualifying.
Generally, it did improve the quality of one-lap performance and the racing, but Lando Norris said the rules still need work after the Miami GP. Following the event, F1 is now considering further changes for 2027.
Can Ferrari still win an F1 title in 2026?
As per a report from The Race, teams have been ‘performing at a higher level’ than expected in terms of downforce and energy management. The faster a car is through the corners, the less energy they can harvest through the battery, thus prompting discussions about a major change.
The sport is considering reducing the downforce levels for the 2027 season, as slower cars would allow for improved energy management, and nullify the safety risk of ‘forces being exerted on the tyres being too high’.
However, these changes would be a nightmare for teams like Ferrari, who have proved that their strength with the 2026 regulations has been with the aerodynamics and increasing downforce.
FIA’s 2027 downforce reduction plan would nullify Ferrari’s aerodynamic strength
It is widely believed that Ferrari’s SF-26 is the best car on the grid through the corners. Their small turbo also gives them a major advantage on starts, and the package can compete with Mercedes in some areas.
However, it is obvious that the power unit is the Maranello outfit’s biggest issue. They are nowhere near the level of Mercedes down the straights, as the Miami GP proved.
Ferrari have a ‘serious’ engine issue, as they looked to be down 30 horsepower compared to Mercedes. It is feared that Ferrari cannot fix their engine trouble until the summer, which may explain why they looked to gain an advantage in other areas.
The team brought 11 upgrades to the Miami GP, focusing on the Macarena rear wing, the front wing and the floor, among other areas. Ferrari have continued to focus on aerodynamics and maintain their advantage in the corners, but the 2027 proposals would give them a real headache.
By reducing the downforce to up to 50 points, as is being reported, it would nullify one of Ferrari’s biggest strengths, in being able to produce strong levels of downforce and optimise performance.
It would be an absolute nightmare for Ferrari, and would emphasise even much how they need to look at improving the power unit to catch Mercedes.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory
Ferrari are causing drama over F1’s ADUO in 2026
Ferrari’s engine trouble in 2026 has been well-documented. It is the main limiting factor in the Italians not having a car that can truly rival Mercedes, with the Silver Arrows winning every race thus far.
Fortunately for Ferrari, F1’s ADUO system – Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities – should give them the boost they need, as team below 4% of the benchmark are entitled to further upgrades. However, this is not sitting well with Mercedes.
Which F1 team were the biggest disappointment at the upgrade-heavy Miami Grand Prix? 📊
Data from @FDataAnalysis
Mercedes are worried that Ferrari are not using maximum power, and are instead playing a game with the FIA to get more upgrades and gain an advantage.
Mercedes would not be happy with Ferrari getting ADUO benefits, but if they really are 30 horsepower behind the Brackley team, they desperately need them.
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