Leclerc: Ferrari has “huge gains” to unlock beyond engine deficit

Ferrari chasing performance on every front

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari can unlock “huge gains” across every major area of its 2026 Formula 1 package, insisting the team’s recovery cannot rely solely on solving its well-documented power unit deficit.

That shortfall is thought to be partly linked to Mercedes’ interpretation of the rules regarding engine compression ratio, although that loophole will be closed after the fifth round of the season in Canada.

Power Unit deficit, but not the only problem

“Surely the Mercedes power units have a big advantage over us at the moment,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1. He described feeling “down” on his rivals during the race, explaining he was not “feeling” the power as much. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, complained of having “even less” power than his team-mate in the same event.

While engine performance is a clear focus, Leclerc was adamant that Ferrari’s response must be broader.

“This is a focus,” he continued, “but we must not forget that there are huge gains in developing also the chassis, the aerodynamics, putting the tyres in the right window, and all of this makes the difference.”

For Leclerc, the key lies in holistic development rather than a single breakthrough.

“So surely the engine, we cannot change it for now anyway. But [by the time] we get there, we need to improve absolutely everything around the car.”

ADUO opportunities

Ferrari could yet find support through the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism. Under this system, manufacturers running between 2% and 4% down on the leading engine are permitted one additional upgrade, while those more than 4% adrift receive two. The process is scheduled to occur after the sixth, 12th and 18th rounds of the season.

Even so, Leclerc’s message is clear: Ferrari’s ambitions cannot hinge entirely on regulatory allowances.

Vasseur: performance must come from everywhere

Team principal Fred Vasseur echoed his driver’s assessment, acknowledging the straight-line deficit while reinforcing the need for gains across the board.

“We know that we have a deficit of performance in the straight line and that we have to work on it, but it is like it is,” Vasseur said.

He stressed that the early phase of the car’s homologation leaves significant room for improvement.

“For sure, we have a lot of work like everybody into the paddock. It is the beginning of the homologation of the car, it means that we have tons of things to improve.”

After three races, Ferrari now has sufficient data to assess its strengths and weaknesses more precisely.

“Now, we have good data after three races to understand the competitiveness of the car, where we are OK-ish and where we are not. It means that performance is coming from everywhere, but we have to do a step in every single area of the performance.”

Ultimately, Vasseur framed the fight not as a matter of incremental progress, but of relative gains.

“I am sure that it is true for us, but it will be true for everybody on the grid. It means it's more a matter to do a better jump than the others, than to do a step.”

In other words, Ferrari’s challenge is not just to close the gap — but to out-develop its rivals. And according to Leclerc, the scope for improvement remains substantial in every corner of the car.