Ferrari to use ADUO as a lifeline?
In recent weeks, Ferrari has made no secret of the fact that it expected to fall into an ADUO category that would allow significant intervention on its power unit. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have repeatedly highlighted how frustrating Ferrari’s lack of straight-line speed has been during the opening phase of the Formula 1 season.
The Monaco Grand Prix has now come and gone, but the FIA has yet to officially announce the ADUO classifications, despite the governing body having originally scheduled the first ruling on the matter before the race weekend in the Principality.
An aggressive Ferrari approach: first power unit upgrade already in Austria?
The rumours reported in recent days by Motorsport have now been backed up by Germany’s Auto, Motor und Sport. According to the publication, Ferrari has prepared an aggressive two-stage revision programme for its power unit, with the first phase expected to arrive within the next few weeks.
Journalist Tobias Gruner reported that the first of Ferrari’s two planned engine upgrades could already be introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix, which takes place in two races’ time during the June 28 race weekend.
“In recent weeks, the pace of work in Maranello has accelerated. The first upgrade is currently on the test bench, and work has already begun on the second phase of development,” the German outlet wrote.
It also added: “The final phase is scheduled for September, after the summer break.”
While official confirmation is still pending, there is a growing belief within the paddock that Ferrari will at least fall into the 4% to 6% ADUO bracket, a category that would permit two modifications to the internal combustion engine.
This technical push highlights the urgency within the Italian team to provide Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc with the tools necessary to challenge at the front, ensuring the SF-26 can finally match the top speeds of its rivals as the European season heats up.
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