Ferrari, first wild card with a two-tenths-of-a-second advantage per lap in the chase for Kimi Antonelli
Formula 1 returns to action in Austria, and for Ferrari, the Grand Prix at Spielberg could be anything but ordinary. Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona has restored enthusiasm and confidence to the entire Maranello team, which arrives at the Red Bull-owned circuit with even higher ambitions.
The team is, in fact, ready to use the first of the two ADUO development “tokens” granted for this season. This update could significantly impact the balance of the championship, thanks to a power boost that, according to estimates, could be worth at least two-tenths of a second per lap.
The Aduo (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system was introduced by the FIA to allow less competitive engine manufacturers to close the gap on the leaders. Power units are evaluated based on their performance deviation from the benchmark set by the Red Bull-Ford engine. In this context, Ferrari has been assessed as having a deficit of between 4% and 6%, thereby earning two additional development steps in 2026 and another two in 2027.
The update set to debut in Austria involves significant changes to the power unit, affecting both its external structure and internal components. The goal is to reduce the gap to Mercedes, particularly in terms of power delivery. Data collected so far has shown that the Ferrari engine still suffers from early “clipping” on long straights—that is, a reduction in electric thrust that occurs earlier than in the Brackley-based rivals’ engines.
What makes the picture even more interesting is the level the SF-26 has reached. Following the latest aerodynamic updates, many insiders consider it the most effective car in the corners, thanks to an efficiency that McLaren and Mercedes are struggling to match. It’s no coincidence that Lando Norris recently stated that, with a more competitive power unit, Ferrari could even dominate, calling it the benchmark for performance on mixed-character circuits.
The decision to introduce the new package in Austria is no accident. The team led by Enrico Gualtieri has identified Spielberg, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps as key races of the season—circuits where power and energy management can make all the difference. With the additional horsepower guaranteed by the Aduo update, Ferrari aims to erase the deficit it has shown so far on the fastest sections.
If the simulations are confirmed on the track, the estimated gain of about two-tenths could prove to be a decisive weapon in the battle with Mercedes. For this reason, Ferrari heads into the Austrian race weekend with high expectations and a real sense that it can take another step forward in the battle at the top.
