Ferrari are already designing two engine upgrades to slash 20hp deficit to Mercedes through ADUO

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Ferrari’s engineers are already designing upgrades to their internal combustion engine and turbocharger in anticipation of qualifying for ADUO after the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Scuderia are keenly aware that their engine is holding them back in their quest to battle Mercedes for the titles this term. So, the engineers in Maranello are already putting plans in place ahead of the FIA ruling on which manufacturers will be able to debut engine upgrades.

It is now confirmed that the FIA will rule on which manufacturers will merit engine upgrades through the new-for-2026 Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system after the Canadian GP on May 22-24. Ferrari are widely expected to qualify for at least one token.

A manufacturer with an internal combustion engine (ICE) that is between 2% and 4% down on power compared to the benchmark unit will earn one upgrade token. Any manufacturer whose engine is between 4% and 10% worse than the benchmark unit will gain two tokens.

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Ferrari are already designing combustion chamber and turbo upgrades for their engine

Ferrari are expected to qualify for ADUO, while Mercedes are believed to have designed the best engine under the 2026 F1 regulations. It is also now said that Ferrari increasingly think they must qualify for ADUO, as their aerodynamic updates in Miami did not deliver enough.

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Ferrari’s engineers are fully aware that their engine lacks power compared to Mercedes’ PU, with it believed that the 067/6 is at least 20 horsepower down. So, Motorsport.com reports that Ferrari aim to at least halve their deficit with an updated ICE through the ADUO system.

The Scuderia have even already started to design modifications to the combustion chamber in their ICE to improve its performance at higher revs. Ferrari also aim to modify their turbo by increasing the number of vanes and the angle on the impeller without changing its size.

Ferrari’s smaller turbo allows them to make rapid starts, having designed it in such a way to avoid the issues that some of their rivals have faced without the MGU-H in 2026. So, Ferrari do not want to remove their advantage in their pursuit of more performance at higher revs.

While Ferrari have already started designing their engine updates ahead of receiving ADUO, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc must wait until the Belgian Grand Prix on July 17-19 for the upgrades. Ferrari only just fitted their second PUs of the season in Miami last weekend.

The FIA approves changes to F1’s ADUO system to give Honda more help with their engine

Should F1 teams help Honda and give them extra upgrades in 2026?

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While Ferrari – along with Red Bull and Audi – are aiming to qualify for ADUO through either a 2% deficit to Mercedes’ ICE or a 4% deficit, the FIA has now approved changes to the rules in an effort to help Honda catch up after the other engine constructors supported the move.

According to The Race, Honda’s engine is now believed to be more 10% worse than the best ICE. So, they will now be allowed to spend up to $11m (£8m) developing their engine rather than the $8m (£6m) cost cap that the other engine constructors will still have to stay within.

Honda and any other engine constructors whose ICE is more than 10% worse than the best engine will also now be able to conduct additional bench tests. Any manufacturer that falls within the new ADUO qualifying criteria can now test for 230 hours, rather than 190 hours.