Ferrari could receive ‘blow’ in 2026 F1 title race as Mercedes engine upgrade possibility emerges

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A recent report has suggested that it is ‘not impossible’ for Mercedes to receive ADUO after the FIA’s first analysis of the new power units, which could prove to be fatal for Ferrari’s title hopes.

Mercedes have seemingly returned to their perch at the top of the F1 pecking order due to the FIA’s introduction of brand new regulations, with the Silver Arrows occupying the top step of the podium in all three Grands Prix so far in 2026.

While the new engine formula was anticipated to be Mercedes’ trump card heading into the new season, the W17’s chassis has been equally important for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli this year.

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Red Bull were convinced that their power unit is on par with Mercedes following the emergence of Brackley’s dominance at the start of the current term, and a recent report has now suggested that they may even be a step ahead of their once-fierce rivals.

• READ MORE: Mercedes are concerned that Ferrari haven’t used ‘maximum’ engine power so far in 2026

Some figures inside the F1 paddock believe Red Bull have the benchmark engine

A new report from The Race has outlined the current sentiment of the F1 paddock regarding which teams are expected to be receiving aid from the FIA in the form of ADUO.

It highlights the ‘most commonly accepted viewpoint’ of Mercedes currently housing the most dominant power unit on the grid, together with their engine customers: Alpine, McLaren and Williams.

However, the report also notes that an ‘alternative view’ has been put forward, which points towards Red Bull’s engine as being the benchmark instead.

Of course, if that is true, then Mercedes will still need to fall outside of the 2% threshold in brake horsepower to receive ADUO allowances from the FIA, but that’s ‘not impossible’, according to certain figures within the F1 paddock.

Toto Wolff’s verdict that Red Bull have ‘the fastest car’ on the grid was taken as a relatively normal downplaying of Mercedes’ performance in pre-season testing, but he may have been telling the truth.

If Mercedes are in fact given extra resources to improve their power unit after the Miami Grand Prix, then Ferrari would certainly receive a ‘blow’ to their title hopes this year.

The only silver lining for the Scuderia is the fact that they would also be granted additional opportunities, which could help them in bridging the gap to their German rivals.

• READ MORE: Riccardo Patrese felt ‘worthless’ to Italian F1 fans, now Kimi Antonelli faces the same test

Red Bull’s chassis issues have been magnified by their impressive engine performance

Red Bull’s current standing in the constructors’ championship may fool many into thinking that their power unit certainly isn’t up to the same standard as their rivals down the pit lane.

However, it has become clear that the impressive performance of the 2026-spec RBPT engine has actually magnified the extent of the RB22’s chassis problems.

Max Verstappen is currently suffering from a car that is over 10kg overweight, and to make matters worse, Red Bull isn’t sure that they can fix the issue before the summer break at the very earliest.

If engineers in Milton Keynes are unable to receive some aid on the power unit side of things, then it will be a long wait until after the four-week break in August before Verstappen receives some respite from his 2026 frustrations.