The lead in the 2026 Formula 1 season could gain a new chapter in the coming races. Kimi Antonelli believes that Ferrari has everything to get closer to Mercedes thanks to a new rule that promises to change the balance of power on the grid.
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The Additional Development and Update Opportunities system, ADUO, was created to help manufacturers that are behind the competition, allowing greater development freedom. With this, Ferrari should receive support to reduce the gap to Mercedes, which won the first three stages of the season.
Championship leader, Antonelli recognized that the Italian team could take an important leap with the novelty. According to the nineteen-year-old driver, the impact could be significant, especially if Ferrari manages to evolve its power unit.
“I know there will be big changes,” Antonelli told Sky Sport Italy. “For example, the ADUO that was granted to Ferrari, which will allow them to develop the engine, they will definitely get closer because their car is already strong,” he said.
The Italian believes that the progress could make the competition even more balanced: “If they can improve the engine as well, they will reduce the gap even further,” said the Italian driver, who has won two of the three races held so far.
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Despite Ferrari’s possible reaction, Antonelli guaranteed that he remains focused on his own performance. The driver highlighted that he intends to follow the same approach that led him to a good start to the season, prioritizing consistency and speed.
“But I’m not too worried,” he said. “At the end of the day, when I get on the track, I’m going to focus on doing what I did in previous weekends, trying to be as fast as possible, focusing on myself and what I have to do,” he added.
Antonelli also indicated that Mercedes will not stand still in the face of competition: “I’m sure we will also bring some important updates. The car is already strong and there is a great dynamic within the team. So I’m not too worried, but I know that the other teams will get closer sooner or later,” the young driver concluded.
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