Mercedes' new engine upgrade plan is terrible news for Ferrari

Mercedes has reversed its earlier stance and is now preparing an ADUO-assisted engine upgrade before the season ends—bad news for Ferrari's fading 2026 title hopes, with the Scuderia having just used its final allowed upgrade and still trailing badly on power.

Why it matters:

Ferrari burned its second and final upgrade at Monza, yet was still down on straight-line speed. If Mercedes finds another step, the gap grows—and customer teams Alpine and Williams will also benefit, spreading the impact.

The details:

• Under F1's ADUO catch-up mechanism, Mercedes can bring one PU upgrade this year and one in 2027 because the FIA's ICE analysis puts Red Bull more than 2% ahead. Ferrari, Audi and Honda get two this year and two next; Red Bull gets none.
• Mercedes initially planned no hardware changes, but The Race understands Brixworth is now readying a step, likely for the Azerbaijan-Malaysia-Singapore triple header.
• Monza clues: Antonelli took a new ICE, battery and control electronics, but not a fresh turbo, MGU-K, exhaust or ancillaries. That points to the turbo as the ADUO upgrade target.
• Because Mercedes didn't fit a full new PU in Italy, the first fresh turbo comes without penalty, so Russell and Antonelli could both get the upgraded spec.
• Under the rules, the new part must be offered to customer teams Alpine and Williams.

Lewis Hamilton called Mercedes' straight-line speed "mind-blowing," while Fred Vasseur admitted Ferrari is "missing pure power."

What's next:

The upgrade is expected to align with a major car overhaul for Sepang. If it delivers, Ferrari's hopes of closing the gap this season—let alone carrying momentum into 2027—will look even more remote.