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Ferrari lacks engine power despite the ADUO 2 upgrade for 2026

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 8:18 AM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Ferrari lacks engine power despite the ADUO 2 upgrade for 2026

Summary

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur stated that the Scuderia is currently missing pure engine power during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite the implementation of the Additional Development and Upgrades Opportunities system, the team remains unable to reach the power levels demonstrated by Mercedes. Mercedes has maintained a distinct advantage in engine performance since the introduction of the new technical regulations at the start of the year. Vasseur noted that closing this power gap was not an expected outcome for Ferrari under the current development constraints this season. The team continues to navigate the competitive established by the updated technical standards while evaluating their performance trajectory. The ADUO system was intended to allow manufacturers to address power unit deficits, yet Ferrari's current assessment confirms a persistent gap in output relative to their competition.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports Motorsport.com

By the Numbers

•Fred Vasseur confirmed Ferrari is missing pure engine power this season.
•Mercedes currently maintains the most puissant power unit in Formula 1.
•The ADUO system was designed to help manufacturers catch up on engine performance.
•Ferrari did not expect to reach the Mercedes power level during the 2026 campaign.

Latest Updates

8:18 AMYahoo Sports — Ferrari’s ADUO 2 upgrade is no “game changer” for Haas either
8:18 AMMotorsport.com — Ferrari’s ADUO 2 upgrade is no “game changer” for Haas either
12:55 PMMotorsport.com — Even with ADUO 2 upgrade, Ferrari is “missing pure power”

What they're saying

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Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur says the Scuderia was never going to reach Mercedes’ level in 2026, in terms of engine power. The German team has enjoyed the most puissant power unit since F1 switched to new technical regulations this year, but the Additional Development and Upgrades Opportunities system (ADUO) provided an opportunity to catch up for manufacturers who are ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com

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Oliver Bearman says Ferrari’s ADUO 2 engine upgrade represents “a much smaller step” than Haas’ updated Formula 1 chassis. The Prancing Horse introduced its second and final power unit upgrade of the 2026 season, courtesy of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system, with one such powertrain handed to Haas for the Italian Grand Prix. It was fitted to Bearman’s ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com