Ferrari is doubling down on its ambitious engine development strategy, planning to introduce a new turbocharger for its Formula 1 power unit after the summer break—part of a bid to close the gap to rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.
After rolling out its latest engine update in Austria, Ferrari has committed to its “hotter engine” concept, running cylinders at 110°C (up from 100°C) to extract more power and efficiency. This move comes after the team was granted two development opportunities—known as ADUO credits—by the FIA, thanks to a measured performance gap of over 4% compared to Red Bull’s benchmark engine.
The Austria update featured advanced steel-alloy cylinder heads, enabling higher pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber. While the team’s earlier choice of a “small” turbocharger helped with turbo lag, recent FIA procedure changes have neutralized this advantage, prompting Ferrari to rethink its approach.
The next step: a newly designed turbo, expected to debut at either Zandvoort or Monza. While the impeller diameter will stay the same, the number and angle of the blades—and likely the materials—will be upgraded for improved performance. This update aims to maximize the power unit’s efficiency and give Ferrari an early edge, as other manufacturers like Mercedes and Honda hold off on similar changes this season.
Ferrari’s high-temperature engine strategy also allows for smaller radiators and, when paired with high-calorific Shell fuel, should boost both power and efficiency with fewer emissions. Recent aerodynamic upgrades, showcased at Barcelona, demonstrated Ferrari’s ability to compensate for any remaining power deficit—especially in hot conditions where the team’s rumored 25-horsepower gap to Mercedes seemed to vanish.
With a new turbo on the horizon and a relentless focus on innovation, Ferrari is positioning itself as a serious contender as the 2026 Formula 1 season heats up.
