Mercedes are rumoured to have set the standard with their 2026 F1 engine, despite the fact that no actual track testing has taken place yet.
From 2026, Formula 1 power units will undergo a significant transformation. The MGU-H component will be eliminated, replaced by a more potent battery. This shift will move the sport toward a 50% electric power distribution and will utilize entirely sustainable fuels.
Mercedes are keen to downplay any talk that they are already ahead of the pack. But with engineers across teams frequently swapping notes on factory progress, those kinds of discussions are hard to avoid.
Ferrari might be best placed to challenge Mercedes given their deep-rooted experience in engine development. Audi and Red Bull Powertrains are still finding their feet, and Honda have only been back in the sport since 2015.
WEC success offers Ferrari new insights on F1 weight management
While Ferrari’s Formula 1 team came up empty in the 2025 season, there was still cause for celebration within the organisation. Their Hypercar squad captured the World Endurance Championship title, and their 499P secured a third straight win at Le Mans.
FunoAnalisiTecnica reports that Ferrari have been looking closely at what their endurance counterparts are doing in hopes of applying some of that knowledge to their 2026 F1 car. The 499P runs with a 200-kilowatt battery.
The Hypercar team have reportedly offered valuable advice on trimming battery weight, which could be a key area of performance in 2026. In recent seasons, this has been an area where Mercedes have held an advantage over Ferrari.
Of course, there are clear differences between the two disciplines – F1 batteries pack more power at 350 kW – but the basic principles remain similar. And with Mercedes not involved in that category, it might just be an opportunity for Ferrari to gain some ground.
Ferrari protest over Mercedes and Red Bull’s technical advantage
There is an ongoing dispute behind the scenes regarding fuel-compression ratios, with Ferrari raising concerns to the FIA after Mercedes and Red Bull reportedly found a way to exploit a loophole in the regulations.
Gary Anderson has weighed in on the issue, stating that while Mercedes are “pushing the limits” of what is allowed, he does not believe they are cheating. He also suggested that rivals are simply upset they did not spot the same opportunity.
Reports suggest Ferrari may formally protest against Mercedes and Red Bull following the Australian Grand Prix, though there will likely be further developments before then.
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