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Mercedes are reportedly concerned that Ferrari are yet to use their engine to the maximum.
The Silver Arrows have enjoyed a flying start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, as they have dominated the first three races.
George Russell won in Australia before Kimi Antonelli secured back-to-back victories in China and Japan.
Antonelli has now emerged as the frontrunner to win the world title as he leads Russell by nine points.
However, Mercedes have recently been hit with a setback after their ‘qualifying trick’ was banned by the FIA.
It had been noted that Mercedes and Red Bull have been using the engine’s ‘emergency mode’ to gain extra speed.
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Mercedes have raised a concern over Ferrari’s engine power
In addition, Mercedes have reportedly raised a concern about Ferrari, which could impact their bid to win both world titles.
According to F1 journalist Mark Hughes, Mercedes are concerned that Ferrari haven’t used ‘maximum’ engine power so far this season.
However, Hughes stated that Ferrari have also raised the same concern.
He said on the Motor Sport F1 Show: “There is a concern from Ferrari that Mercedes are maybe not running to their maximum; there’s also concern from Mercedes that Ferrari may not be.
“So that is maybe why the Red Bull looks relatively competitive.”
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Ferrari looking to fight Mercedes on ‘equal terms’
The Scuderia are reportedly looking to take the fight to Mercedes as they look to build on their early season momentum.
It is well documented that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are much happier driving the SF-26 than last year’s problematic SF-25, with their on-track battles showing Ferrari’s potential.
Looking ahead, it has been claimed that Ferrari are looking to fast-track their upgrades in order to fight Mercedes.
According to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari had originally planned to bring power unit-related upgrades in July.
However, it has been suggested that Ferrari are working to ‘minimise the timeframe’ of their power unit upgrades and to have them from Barcelona onwards.
It has also been noted that Ferrari are paying ‘precise attention’ to what their rivals are doing as they look to fight Mercedes on ‘equal terms’ for the European phase of the 2026 campaign.
Ferrari are clearly on an upward trajectory and Mercedes will have to start looking over their shoulders if the SF-26’s upgrades work as intended.
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