'Ferrari already has the new engine for 2026 on the test bench'

Ferrari already have their first engine for 2026 on the test bench. That is what the Italian branch of Motorsport.com reported just before the turn of the year. That puts them in Maranello ahead.

In 2026, the engine regulations will be changed again. Since 2014, F1 teams have already been running the current hybrid engines, which will be changed again in 2026. No major changes will be made. Above all, the engine has to become cheaper, which is why the MGU-H was abandoned. To still achieve the same power output, the electric section will be enlarged.

While Audi and General Motors can fully focus on their 2026 entry, the current teams on the grid need to divide their attention. On 13 February, Ferrari will present the new car for the 2024 F1 season, but the Italian team, meanwhile, is already working on the engine for 2026. A first version is reportedly already on the test bench by now.

The status at their rivals is not yet known. Renault, Red Bull Powertrains-Ford and Mercedes have not yet made anything public about this. There was, however, a rumour that Red Bull were lagging behind, but this was denied by everyone in the team.