Charles Leclerc says Ferrari can make "huge gains" across its 2026 Formula 1 car, including the power unit, chassis, aerodynamics and tyre management, as the team seeks to close the gap to Mercedes.
Ferrari has emerged as Mercedes’ main challenger this season but Mercedes won the opening three grands prix after front-row lockouts, and Ferrari acknowledges a straight-line power deficit partly linked to Mercedes’ interpretation of engine compression rules that will be closed after the Canadian round. The ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism could permit powertrain upgrades for teams assessed 2–4% or more than 4% down at checkpoints after rounds six, 12 and 18.
Leclerc said the team must also improve chassis balance, aerodynamics and tyre performance rather than focus solely on the engine, and Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur said Maranello will continue working to reduce the deficit across all areas.
Read the full article at motorsport.com.
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