Ferrari has confirmed that it will continue its engine improvement plan with a new turbo update, which is expected to be implemented after the summer break of Formula 1. This decision is part of the team’s strategy to reduce the gap with rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull.
After the initial update in Montreal, which was influenced by additional engine development opportunities (ADUO), Ferrari is now working on a second update of its power unit for the 2026 season. The aim is to close the performance gap, which the FIA has measured at over 4% compared to Red Bull’s engine, currently considered the benchmark in the competition.
The first round of modifications, which will be implemented at the Austrian Grand Prix, will focus on combustion and the use of a steel alloy cylinder head. This innovation allows engineers to work with pressure and temperature levels that would not be possible with a traditional aluminum alloy engine.
Ferrari also acknowledges that the initial choice of a ‘small’ turbo has helped reduce turbo lag, but the expected benefits have only been balanced due to the new safety rules that allow all manufacturers to warm up their turbos before the start.
With the introduction of the new turbo, they expect that changes in design, including angle and number of blades, will significantly contribute to improving vehicle performance. The new component is expected for circuits like Zandvoort or Monza, where Ferrari hopes to gain an advantage in the competition.
Moreover, Ferrari is betting on the ‘hot engine’ concept for the Austrian Grand Prix, operating at temperatures of 110C in the cylinders, which represents an improvement over the current 100C. This could increase engine efficiency and significantly boost power while reducing residual emissions.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
