Leclerc makes striking Ferrari confession with blunt Red Bull-Ford comparison

The Monégasque driver was responding to questions surrounding the FIA’s ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system, which will see the first list of eligible manufacturers introduced in the aftermath of the Canadian Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed optimism that Ferrari could be included among the manufacturers permitted additional development support under the new framework.

Expanding on his comments, Leclerc explained that he believes Ferrari’s current power unit package is still lacking compared to both Mercedes and Red Bull Ford.

“I think it’s going to be very difficult. They have a very big advantage, and I obviously don’t know yet if we are included. I would be surprised if we’re not, because sometimes on the straights I can see that we are lacking a little bit compared to Mercedes or even the Ford power unit. But still, I think it will definitely help us try to get closer. Whether it will be enough to fully close the gap, I don’t know. It also depends on what level we get to and whether we get it at all. But surely, if we do get it, it will help us get closer,” Leclerc said to GPblog.

The ADUO system is an evaluation threshold introduced alongside the new regulations to allow engine manufacturers struggling on the ICE side to bring additional upgrades beyond the benchmark limits in an effort to keep power unit performance balanced across the grid.

Under the new rules, manufacturers that fall significantly behind the benchmark engine will be allowed to continue developing their homologated ICE during both the current and following seasons in an effort to close the gap. The FIA will monitor engine performance across three separate periods during the year before publishing updated rankings.

The performance index will take several parameters into account, including engine speed and MGU-K contribution. Factors such as aerodynamic influence and fluid temperatures, however, will be excluded, as those are measured separately at the chassis level.

Meanwhile, recently announced plans for further engine adjustments ahead of the 2027 season could yet be delayed. Reports suggest that only Mercedes and Red Bull currently support pushing the changes through as early as next year, while the remaining manufacturers would prefer to postpone implementation until 2028. Discussions between Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams are continuing during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in an attempt to reach a consensus.

In the aftermath of the Miami Grand Prix, the FIA announced that there was, “in principle,” an agreement with the engine manufacturers to change the power split in the engines from 50/50 to 60/40. By slightly reducing the contribution of the battery, drivers should no longer have to back off during a lap to recharge the electrical component.

According to a report from The Race, the teams and manufacturers agree that this adjustment should be implemented; the disagreement is about when it should happen. Only Mercedes and Red Bull want to introduce the change as early as next year. In Formula 1, support from four of the six manufacturers (including future manufacturer Cadillac) is required to get a “go”, a threshold that is currently not being met.

The other manufacturers are said not to support the change, primarily due to two major objections. First, there is the budget. Audi finds it very difficult to justify spending millions again on a new power unit after the Germans already did so for their entry into Formula 1. It is understood that modifying the engines would cost around ten million dollars.