Charles Leclerc stated that Ferrari is facing a “vicious circle” given the horsepower disadvantage to Mercedes engines in the 2026 Formula 1 season. According to the Monegasque, the gap allows Mercedes-powered cars to sustain power delivery for longer as they exit corners.
Ferrari has been Mercedes’ main rival in this year’s championship, even though the team has battled throughout the season with a deficit in power-unit performance. The issue is linked to the concept chosen by the Italian engine, which prioritized a more efficient response at low speed, but ended up compromising top speed.
The Ferrari turbo was designed with reduced dimensions to eliminate response lag, aiming to deliver more power at low speeds and in the traction zones. The consequence, Leclerc’s scenario suggests, is a diminished ability to keep up with Mercedes-powered cars on the longer straights.
“Honestly, it’s a kind of vicious circle. As soon as you have a lot more power, you begin delivering power later out of the corners, because the power unit is delivering more power on the exits. So, you start delivering it later and, as a result, you brake later,” Leclerc stated.
The Ferrari driver also indicated that he believes there is a considerable difference in Mercedes’ internal-combustion engine power: “I’d bet their ICE power is significantly higher,” he added.
Ferrari brought to the Italian Grand Prix a power unit with the gain provided by the ADUO, in an attempt to reduce the gap. Leclerc, however, also faces an additional issue, as after his serious crash in Monza, it remains undecided whether the updated engine will be able to be used again.
If the power unit has suffered critical damage, the Monegasque may need a penalty to reintroduce the updated components into his engine lineup before the season ends.
