Ferrari set to lose engine edge as power‑unit rule changes favor Mercedes; Jos Verstappen crashes in rally

Ferrari’s power‑unit edge will be trimmed by new regulations taking effect at the Miami GP, a change former driver Juan Pablo Montoya says will hand an advantage to Mercedes‑powered rivals. In unrelated news, ex‑F1 driver Jos Verstappen rolled his Skoda in the Rallye des Wallonie, ending his rally day.

Why it matters:

Ferrari’s power‑unit has been the linchpin of its climb back up the grid. If the new limits blunt that edge, Mercedes‑backed teams could surge ahead, reshaping the early‑season hierarchy. Verstappen’s crash also highlights the inherent safety risks across all motorsport.

The details:

• FIA, FOM and teams will cut fuel‑flow and hybrid‑boost limits for Miami, targeting a more level engine field.
• Montoya says the cuts will blunt Ferrari’s turbo advantage, bringing its unit closer to Mercedes specs.
• Jos Verstappen, 54, lost control on the rally’s first stage; his Skoda flipped, ending his run unharmed.

What's next:

Teams will test the new spec in Friday practice, while Ferrari may fast‑track aero or battery upgrades to offset any loss. The rally series will likely review safety after Verstappen’s crash. Miami will reveal whether the rule tweaks shift the championship battle.