Mark Hughes: Ferrari's upcoming engine upgrades could decide F1 title

Ferrari's SF-26 is the class of the field through corners, but a power deficit to Mercedes is keeping the championship fight alive. With engine upgrades rumored for Austria and Zandvoort, the Scuderia could soon have the complete package needed to erase Kimi Antonelli's slender 41-point lead.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's unique aero concept—featuring clever differential placement that unlocks extra diffuser volume and an exhaust-blocking vane—has produced the best downforce package on the grid. If the rumored power upgrades achieve parity with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton's deficit could disappear in a hurry.

The details:

• Barcelona Proof: Hamilton qualified within 0.064s of George Russell's pole despite Ferrari's power disadvantage. GPS data shows the SF-26's electrical deployment still fades earlier than Mercedes', though the gap has shrunk.
• Rival Verdict: Lando Norris called Ferrari "the class of the field in cornering," warning that with more power, "they're dominating" and would "embarrass everyone."
• Upgrade Path: A significant power step is expected in Austria, with a second update—possibly featuring a larger turbo—targeting Zandvoort/Monza. Ferrari believes this will finally match Mercedes' output.
• ADUO Split: Ferrari earned two upgrades through F1's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities catch-up mechanism, while Mercedes received only one. Mercedes reportedly did not plan around this allowance, but Ferrari clearly did.

What's next:

Mercedes faces a race against time to make its sole upgrade count against Ferrari's aerodynamic edge. If the Austria package delivers as rumored, the Scuderia may not just close the gap—it could flip the championship on its head.