Ferrari will launch an upgraded Formula 1 engine at the Austrian Grand Grand Prix, pending official FIA approval.
Ferrari Sets Stage for Updated Power Unit at Austrian GP
The team is preparing to ship a third iteration of its 067/6 power unit to Spielberg, incorporating modifications permitted under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) framework. The updated design replaces the traditional aluminium cylinder head with a steel‑alloy version, allowing combustion chamber temperatures to rise well beyond the conventional 60‑70 °C threshold.
These temperature increases enable a cleaner, more efficient combustion process, with Shell’s newly developed fuel specifically engineered to match the higher thermal load. While it is difficult to separate the performance gain attributable to the fuel from that derived solely from the engine changes, the combined effect is expected to reduce the horsepower deficit against Mercedes’ internal‑combustion rivals.
Ferrari has already operated a “hot” engine configuration, with intake air entering the intercooler at over 100 °C. Starting with the Austrian round, that limit will climb to more than 115 °C, adding further power potential.
Technical Breakthroughs Boost Performance and Efficiency
The steel‑alloy head—and the higher temperature and pressure it sustains—allow a greater proportion of fuel particles to combust. This translates into a higher ratio of chemical potential being converted to mechanical work, all while producing fewer emissions. The partnership between Enrico Gualtieri’s engine department and Shell’s laboratory in Hamburg aims to sharpen these gains.
The upgraded SF‑26, strengthened by a second aerodynamic week‑end package after Miami, has already begun reaping rewards. In Barcelona the car managed tyre wear better than any other constructor, forcing Mercedes to relinquish their chain of six consecutive wins and securing a victory for Ferrari in the first race of the season.
Race Implications and Team Responses
Following the Barcelona race, Ferrari focused on diagnosing an electronic failure that crippled Charles Leclerc’s hydraulic system, erasing power steering, brake‑by‑wire, and active aerodynamic functions. Engineers suspect a fault similar to the incident that appeared in Monaco may be at fault.
With the Austrian Grand Prix on the horizon, Ferrari’s objective remains to close the gap with Mercedes and pre‑empt a response from Red Bull, which has scheduled a major upgrade debut at its home circuit.
"