Charles Leclerc, driver of Ferrari, stated that the Italian team has the opportunity to make “immense gains” in several aspects of its Formula 1 car for the 2026 season. Among the areas he highlights are the engine, the chassis, aerodynamics, and tire management.
Ferrari has been the main rival to Mercedes in this season’s races, although it has not been able to prevent the German team from winning the first three tests. The lack of power from the Italian engine has been evident, and Leclerc has acknowledged that it is one of the keys they need to improve.
The Maranello team has suffered a performance gap compared to Mercedes engines, which occupy an advantageous position thanks to their intelligent interpretation of the regulations, particularly regarding the engine compression ratio. However, this opportunity is expected to close after the fifth race of the season, which will take place in Canada.
To improve, Ferrari has the Additional Development and Upgrade Mechanism (ADUO) that will allow manufacturers with a power deficit of less than 4% to make one improvement, while those exceeding this percentage can make two improvements. The process theoretically takes place after the six, twelve, and eighteen tests of the season.
Despite everything, Leclerc emphasizes that the impact of other components of the car should not be ignored. “The power of the engine is undeniable, but there are also great opportunities for improvement in the chassis and aerodynamics, as well as in the proper management of tires.” They understand that gains must come from all aspects, not just the engine.
The need for improvement is not only a sentiment of Leclerc. The team principal, Fred Vasseur, has also expressed the intention to work intensively to close the gap between Ferrari and Mercedes. Vasseur commented on the data obtained in the first three races that showed the areas where the team needs to focus to improve the car.
With a long season ahead, the Maranello team is determined to make the necessary changes to compete at the highest level and reduce their gap with rivals.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
