Charles Leclerc stated that Ferrari faces a ‘vicious circle’ due to the power disadvantage against Mercedes engines in the 2026 Formula 1 season. According to the Monegasque, the difference allows cars equipped by the competitor to maintain power delivery for longer on corner exits.
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Ferrari has been the main rival to Mercedes in this year’s championship, despite dealing with a power unit performance deficit throughout the season. The problem is linked to the concept adopted by the Italian engine, which prioritized a more efficient response at low speed but ended up compromising top speed.
Ferrari’s turbo was designed with reduced dimensions to eliminate response lag and offer more power at low speed and in traction zones. The consequence, according to the scenario presented by Leclerc, is a lower ability to keep up with cars equipped with Mercedes engines on long straights.
“Honestly, it’s a kind of vicious circle. As soon as you have much more power, you start delivering power later on corner exits, because the power unit is delivering more power on exits. So, you start delivering later and, therefore, cut later,” Leclerc said.
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The Ferrari driver also indicated that he believes there is a considerable difference in the internal combustion engine power of Mercedes: “I would bet that their internal combustion engine power is significantly higher,” he added.
Ferrari brought to the Italian GP a power unit with the gain provided by the ADUO, in an attempt to reduce the disadvantage. Leclerc, however, also faces an additional issue, as after his heavy crash in Monza, it is still not defined whether the updated engine can be used again.
If the power unit suffered critical damage, the Monegasque may need a penalty to reintroduce the updated components in his engine set before the end of the season.
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