After two encouraging rounds in Australia and China, Ferrari’s SF-26 had a more difficult time in Japan. This is not to say the Italian team were uncompetitive – given that Leclerc overcame unfortunate Safety Car timing to secure a podium.
Leclerc kept behind George Russell in his W17 for several laps to finish third, an important moral triumph for the team.
Still, Antonelli ultimately triumphed in dominant fashion for Mercedes. By extension, McLaren finally had a representative weekend – with Piastri demonstrating the MC40’s strong performance.
Fundamentally, Japan was a reminder that Mercedes engines are the benchmark to start 2026. Thankfully for Ferrari, they will are set to have the opportunity to bring upgrades and close the gap.
Ferrari to fall under ADUO
Engine development, much like chassis and aerodynamic work, is constantly happening behind the scenes. However, there is a key difference in how teams are allowed to improve their power units compared to other areas.
Under the 2026 regulations, engine manufacturers must fall under ADUO to make improvements.
ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) determines whether teams are eligible to bring mid-season power unit upgrades.
The criteria under this mechanism is relatively simple – engines within 2% of the fastest power units care not allowed to bring upgrades until the following season. Manufacturers between 2-4% are permitted to introduce one upgrade during the season.
Those in an even worse position (more than 4% off the benchmark) can bring two mid-season engine upgrades.
Ferrari, of course, have been developing their power unit irrespective of these constraints. Regardless of whether the Italian team could implement mid-season updates, more dramatic changes to the 2027 engine are already in the pipeline.
Bigger modifications to the power unit architecture and design can only be accomplished over a longer time frame.
Still, Fred Vasseur’s squad are also developing short and medium-term solutions that can be implemented in the coming months. When the season began, it was unclear if Ferrari would fall under the necessary requirements to receive ADUO.
However, the paddock consensus is that Ferrari’s engine deficit to Mercedes exceeds the 2% threshold. The team themselves believe they are within this range.
As a result, once F1 returns in May for the Miami GP, Maranello will begin an aggressive development trajectory. More broadly, a significant batch of aerodynamic upgrades have already been in production for some time.
These were planned even before Australia – but were being finalised as the team collected data from the circuit and compared it to their wind tunnel and simulation tools.
The Scuderia are satisfied with the accuracy of the correlation of their development tools with the SF-26’s behaviour on track. Because of this, there is enough confidence for the team to go ahead with its upgrades.
Fred Vasseur said in Japan that he expects a “different Championship” starting at round four in Miami. Given the catalogue of upgrades that are scheduled, this interpretation is understandable.
Closing the gap to Mercedes power
Despite Ferrari’s strong chassis and aerodynamic baseline, the engineers in Maranello still believe they can improve the SF-26’s performance in medium-speed corners and under braking.
Of course, the advantage Mercedes enjoy with their engine is something Vasseur’s personnel want to eliminate.
This is why falling under the ADUO criteria is so important.
Should the Maranello outfit receive confirmation they are eligible for performance updates to their engine, modifications will arrive relatively quickly.
As mentioned previously, Ferrari have worked on a combination of adjustments that can be implemented in the short and medium-term – meaning they are prepared for any final verdict from ADUO.
With customer teams like McLaren gradually learning how to optimise the German power unit, it is increasingly important for Ferrari to respond with engine upgrades of their own.
McLaren were initially unhappy with their inability to tap into the potential of the Mercedes engine. As a result, they have worked intensely to overcome this knowledge gap.
Moving forward, a more optimised engine will give the papaya team a better platform. In combination with MC40’s clearly solid aerodynamic base, Andrea Stella’s team can be expected to challenge.
Crucially, because Mercedes power units are the benchmark, they will not be eligible for mid-season updates.
In this respect, the regulations give Ferrari team a chance to level the playing field and assert themselves as genuine contenders as the season progresses.