Ferrari already plotted a second ADUO‑triggered power‑unit upgrade, with a freshly engineered turbocharger slated for the 2026 season, designed to bring the Ferrari closer to Mercedes.
First ADUO move: a more aggressive combustion chamber
After the post‑Montreal checkpoint, Ferrari is allowed two engine changes this year. The first tackled the combustion chamber, replacing the aluminium block with a steel‑alloy cylinder head. This upgrade enables pressures and temperatures beyond the reach of traditional designs, helping shave the 4 % deficit that FIA inspectors identified against Red Bull‑Ford.
Second ADUO target: turbocharger redesign
The upcoming update will focus on the turbocharger. Ferrari will launch a new impeller with the same diameter but altered blade count, angle and materials, aiming for higher airflow and reduced lag. The design is expected to go live at Zandvoort or Monza, giving the team an early advantage before rivals—Mercedes and Honda—remain under the ADUO purview.
Hot‑engine strategy and cooling optimisation
In Austria, the team pushed combustion temperatures from 100 °C to 110 °C, paired with a high‑calorific Shell fuel. The product is a cleaner burn that frees some radiators, though the delta between heated and cooled coolant is slimmer. The initiative, coupled with low‑drag aerodynamics, reportedly erased a 25‑horsepower shortfall announced in Spain.
Ferrari’s latest data suggest the team can keep pace with the “real benchmark” set by Red Bull while directly targeting the leaders. Their strategic use of ADUO credits reflects a layered approach: first, improved combustion; then, in‑season turbo redesign, tailored to the constructor’s flagship. With both in place, Ferrari intends to close the gap to Mercedes while staying within FIA regulations, a formula that could surface a decisive advantage before the next season starts.
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