Leclerc: Ferrari faces 'difficult' task to close Mercedes power unit gap in 2026

Charles Leclerc has conceded that Ferrari faces a "difficult" challenge to catch Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly due to a power unit deficit that has become apparent in the opening rounds. The Monegasque driver believes the Scuderia's engine is down on both the Mercedes and Red Bull-Ford units, and is hoping the FIA's ADUO system will allow the team to make gains.

Why it matters:

Ferrari entered 2026 with high hopes of challenging for the title after years of rebuilding, but early races have shown a clear straight-line speed disadvantage. With the new regulations making engine performance more critical than ever, the gap to Mercedes could define Ferrari's season unless the ADUO system provides a lifeline.

The details:

• Leclerc noted that in Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka, Ferrari often lost ground to Mercedes once the cars gathered momentum on straights.
• Miami updates added a "smidgen" of performance, but McLaren and Red Bull found bigger gains through both upgrades and better optimisation of the complex new power units.
• Ferrari now awaits the first FIA power output checks after Montreal to determine if it qualifies for an ADUO upgrade.
• ADUO stands for Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, designed to balance performance between manufacturers.

Between the lines:

Leclerc pointed out that early-season performance swings aren't just about upgrades. Teams are still learning to optimise the new powertrain and chassis integration, making it hard to isolate the effect of new parts. Red Bull's resurgence in Miami, for example, came largely from improved system optimisation rather than just new hardware.

What's next:

Montreal will be a pivotal weekend. If Ferrari qualifies for ADUO, it could receive a power unit upgrade mid-season. But Leclerc remains cautious: "Whether it will be enough to close the gap, I don't know." The team must also keep pace with rivals who are finding bigger gains through optimisation, making the coming races a test of both technical and operational agility.