The world of Formula 1 never stops. While the spotlight often falls on driver contracts and injuries, the real battle happens behind the scenes in the factories—where development determines the championship's outcome. Ferrari has taken a significant step forward with encouraging news about its upcoming upgrades, including a new engine that could reshape the 2026 season.
13 Extra Horsepower: The Figure That Excites Maranello
According to reports from Last Word On Motorsports (LWOS), based on dynamometer testing, Ferrari's new engine delivers approximately 13 additional horsepower compared to the current unit. This gain translates into 2 to 3 tenths of a second per lap—a margin that, in such a tight championship, can be the difference between winning and losing a title.
Team principal Fred Vasseur had identified engine power as the biggest deficit against Mercedes, especially in terms of horsepower. Now, with these advances, the Italian squad aims to close that gap and put pressure on championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who drives for Mercedes.
Development Strategy: SF-26 with a Solid Foundation
In the era of the budget cap, every development decision is a gamble. Ferrari has chosen to continue investing in the SF-26, its current car, rather than diverting all resources to the 2027 model. The reason: the SF-26's base is so strong that its fundamental components (suspension, chassis) will carry over to the next car, allowing improvements now without sacrificing the future.
This approach is particularly relevant because Ferrari sits just a few points behind Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship, and Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, has a real chance to challenge Antonelli for the drivers' title.
Not Just Power: Efficiency and Tire Management
The new engine isn't only about adding horsepower. According to motorsport.it, Shell, Ferrari's fuel supplier, has modified its mixture to increase efficiency. Additionally, Maranello's engineers have adjusted the energy delivery and torque curve to minimize wheelspin on corner exit. This not only improves lap time but also reduces tire wear—a critical factor in long races.
The New Engine Debuts at Monza, But First: New Floor at Zandvoort
The engine upgrade, along with associated changes, is planned for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where Ferrari traditionally presents its major advancements. However, the team isn't idle: for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a new aerodynamic floor is expected, part of a package designed to counter McLaren's strong update from Hungary.
Confidence within the team is high, but caution remains: reliability has been a pillar for Ferrari in 2026, with wins in Spain and Britain, and they don't want to compromise it. The upgrades are engineered to maintain durability, a key factor when races are decided by the smallest margins.
Competition Doesn't Sleep
Meanwhile, Mercedes also has an engine update available (through the ADUO system, which allows additional power unit components), though it's unclear when they'll introduce it. McLaren continues to extract performance from its MCL40. The championship battle is more open than ever, and Ferrari wants to make a statement on home turf.
“Every tenth counts. We've worked tirelessly to ensure this engine is not just more powerful, but also more efficient and reliable. We believe we have a competitive package to push until the end.”
Zandvoort Weekend: Sprint Format and Limited Practice
The Dutch Grand Prix is a sprint weekend, meaning teams get only one free practice session before sprint qualifying. Despite the limited track time, Ferrari is confident in its new floor and its drivers' ability to adapt quickly. The pressure is on—every detail matters, and the Italian team wants to prove its development is on track.
With these advances, the Scuderia positions itself as a serious contender for the remainder of the season. For Argentine fans of F1, there's plenty of reason to follow every race closely. The next stop: Zandvoort, this weekend.