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Ferrari could be behind Mercedes and McLaren at the start of F1’s new era due to an anticipated horsepower deficit.
It’s still very early to make predictions about the pecking order after just three days of testing, but it’s widely believed that Mercedes have found a powerful loophole in the 2026 engine regulations.
Mercedes can achieve a fuel compression ratio of 18:1 on track, exceeding the maximum of 16:1, but still clear the FIA’s static checks. Ferrari have formed an alliance with Audi and Honda to push for a clampdown, which underlines their level of concern.
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But the FIA have assured Mercedes they are compliant with the regulations in their current form.
What’s more, Ferrari are already working on replicating Mercedes’ technology and no doubt kicking themselves for failing to recognise the opportunity earlier.
Ferrari must now revive their interest in Andy Cowell
Ferrari engine boss Wolf Zimmermann left the team last year, along with his deputy Lars Schmidt. Enrico Gualtieri has taken over.
Back in 2020, Ferrari tried to sign Andy Cowell, according to Motorsport Italia. Cowell had just left his post as the head of Mercedes’ engine division.
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The Briton was widely credited for one of F1’s ‘great design feats’ with Mercedes’ V6 turbo/hybrid power unit. Sky Sports’ Craig Slater says he even ‘supplanted Adrian Newey‘ as the sport’s top engineer.
Ferrari wanted Cowell to restructure their entire power unit department. Instead, he took a break from F1 until 2024, when he joined Aston Martin.
Why Ferrari now have the perfect chance to sign Andy Cowell
Cowell took over as Aston Martin’s team principal at the start of the 2025 season, but only held the role until November. He lost a well-documented power struggle with Newey.
When Newey was appointed team boss, Cowell actually resigned from Aston Martin altogether. However, team owner Lawrence Stroll convinced him to stay in a different role as chief strategic officer.
Cowell is overseeing Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda, their new engine suppliers.
For Ferrari, now is the time to strike. Given the events at the end of last year, Cowell may be far more receptive to an approach than he was six years ago.
It’s nothing against Gualtieri, who by all indications has built a strong, reliable power unit for 2026, but Cowell has already shown he’s in the very highest echelon of F1 engineers.
If Ferrari sign him, they could dethrone Mercedes at the top of F1’s engine hierarchy.
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