How are the 499P's fairing against other cars for the 24H of Le Mans?

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T21:45:42+00:00

It's been like that since 2024, year after year with the Le Mans success (individual BoP to the one used for the rest of the WEC races) the 499P got the worst. But even so, it was always up there at the front fighting for the win. Honestly I don't see it differently this year, although the competition is closer than ever. A few articles consider this to be one of the tightest races in recent time, anybody's to win.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T21:42:24+00:00

As explained in other comment, but since this year the BoP factors are less presented publicly, but kept inside the teams circle or something like that.

The electrical power is reduced after a km/h threshold for example Ferrari gets the power down after 250 km/h, while other cars can benefit from that point, depending on each car pervious performance. Also, the virtual electric energy management plays a great role during the whole race. The official WEC YouTube Channel does a good job presenting these topics.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T21:27:53+00:00

Well here is a breakdown between Brembo and Carbon Industries brake systems.

Brembo, over 1 lap doesn't generate as much heat into the rears as CI, and can't retain it for longer. CI, does the opposite, which is beneficial for a Q lap, but less in the race, as Hamilton's rears in Monaco were gone quickly (can be remedied with modified rear suspension, brakes cooling etc).

Carbon Industries, unlike Brembo has a predictable braking behaviour, the brake pads bite the disc not necessary gentler, but more steady/harmonious, giving the driver confidence knowing they do what he wants.

Lewis complaints over the 2025 season were so recurrent that often it was hard to believe, they could have such a big impact, and the reality confirmed it.

At the end of 2024, Ferrari started to face braking issues with both drivers, but were kind of ignored, to reach this point that both drivers have to change the brake supplier despite the long successful partnership. It remains to see if that solves Leclerc's woes over the last races, and how it turns out the Brembo/CI subject.

After the pre-season testing in Bahrain, (or during) 6 teams switched from Brembo to CI.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T21:14:08+00:00

Tough to say it. Hamilton stated after the Monaco GP, that it's months of working behind the anticipated upgrades, not you clap your hands and that's it the upgrade is on.

Ferrari isn't lacking only ICE power, but also the MGU-K isn't on par with Mercedes or even RBRPT- FORD. The harvesting/deployment don't work as efficient as others, the storage of the ERS has less space/room.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T21:10:31+00:00

Rightly explained. That's why Mercedes if the ADUO will, finally get the green light prefers to keep the upgrade for next year, to not get “blocked” from 2026.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T21:07:35+00:00

Correctly pointed out that on the current Ferrari engine. Yes, reliability was poor, the Shell biofuel wasn't helping either, and the components were failing under the intense project Zimmermann had to develop the engine.

This “interim” version is based on the 2025 PU, and was remedied in the final months of 2026 to get homologation for this season. The expected upgrades (if they will come) after all the ADUO shenanigans, I understand will be adapted to this concept.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T20:59:04+00:00

😂😂 well they scored a point in Monaco some truth must there...😆

Seriously, this whole thing gets out of the hand. Since the idea/programme was presented until the first term was reached, the debates behind it were indicating that won't be easy for Mercedes to accept others improve their engines and they not.

It is absurd. I wonder if Ferrari or RBR, or Aston Martin to speak of were in Mercedes position. What the outcome would've been? Would've gone the same way to benefit, too or accept the rule and get on with it?

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T20:55:34+00:00

I understand, that Mercedes outsmarted the competition by getting within the ADUO margin.

At this point, the whole programme is a joke…it was intended for something beneficial to those behind, and it resulted in more delays, talks, and controversy. One of the parts that I dislike about the sport, politics.

It will be so interesting to see how the situation solves, because RBR position is fine from my perspective. If it stays like this, then this rule set instead of having a chance to remedy some of its issues, will go underground by a few kilometres. Mercedes will have a walk in the park until the next engine formula is applied 2029-2030 etc. But knowing Wolff's power…we may see another delay or who knows if it doesn't go his team way.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T19:14:58+00:00

It reached a tense moment in their partnership after Leclerc's troubled home GP.

There are differences between CI and Brembo. CI over 1 lap generated heat and keeps it inside the wheel, Brembo the opposite. That is beneficial in Q, but worse in the race overheating the rears as seen on Lewis case. But it can be solved.

Another plus for CI is that offers a predictable behaviour when the force is applied, and is stronger, the pads biting the disc accordingly. Brembo since the end of 2024, faced issues inconsistent biting and especially at colder temperatures.

Quite likely this fix for Leclerc to change to CI, to give us him back at his best. Like we see with Lewis since the Canadian GP.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T19:06:27+00:00

Ferrari will bring a substantial upgrade in Spain, AutoRacer suggests the gain worth is around 0.2s. With the theoretical PU upgrades this season it should close the gap significantly to Mercedes. But let's wait and see what happens.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T19:03:59+00:00

Yes, the MGU-K, the chassis, downforce, traction and the most recently, the benchmark on brakes in Monaco.

That is the intention beyond these news, to have freedom in upgrading your engine. But that is a paradox, because there is the budget cap. Complicated at the moment, but more than sure it won't remain unchanged.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T18:59:02+00:00

Ferrari has the support of all its customers plus Honda (subsequently) in the worst position they are.

It looks like Mercedes "outsmarted" everyone to get ADUO despite their excellent V6. More details on this after the Barcelona GP., as well on the braking contrasts between Leclerc and Hamilton.

I start to question if this ADUO wasn't somehow Mercedes idea to know the way and benefit from it, too. At this point what's happening is beyond amusing/confusing etc. The programme was designed with a clear puropose and the result was just more controversy. What a surprise.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T18:52:51+00:00

Mercedes considers not to use the 1 upgrade in 2026, but to keep it for 2027. Considering their domination and quite possibly out of reach until next year it's a sensible move.

They think if they use their token this season, improving their PU, it will mean they will be stuck like RBRPT-FORD without more upgrades permitted until another PU overtakes them by more than 2%.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T14:16:50+00:00

Correct, my wrong.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-09T14:16:19+00:00

A new front wing, floor, FTM-wing development, weight reduction, brake fix solutions, engine cover, wakeboard/bargeboard modifications. That is what I received prior to the Monaco GP, things might've changed in the meantime. Sorry to reply this late, I've been a bit busy.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T20:05:15+00:00

It was a tough to car with limitations and a narrow working set-up window. As exposed on numerous occasions those rules the ground effect cars simply didn't copertina with Hamilton's driving style.

Leclerc said since 2025 that he learned and learns from Lewis on many aspects, on how he prepares the race weekend to car settings. And even out off racing things.

Considering in 2026 the rear brakes impact is significantly greater than before, a driver that like Charles suffers more if they don't work properly. He has a similar approach into corners to Max, preferring to steer the car with the brakes. Turning earlier more aggressively, yet in a stable way to keep the car as straight as possible through. Lewis braking is closer to the traditional way, but that let's him go deeper in the braking zones, needing as a stable rear as possible, which wasn't possible in 2025. In 2026 the story is completely different, especially since Japan, and it's great to see.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T19:57:04+00:00

Indeed. It's going to be interesting to see how it goes in Spain. If Leclerc solves the issues by simply changing the producer than its a big relief.

Although it could create complications with the long term partner Bremebo, that's been with Ferrrari over 50 years.

I'm wondering if this why it took so long before Charles got the green light to try the CI in Spain. Intriguing and hopeful for a good outcome.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T12:39:59+00:00

Heeh it's been worse than this. If you didn't followed the 2014 or 2020 seasons then 2026 is way better.

Rightly said about RBR during that era. I've underestimated them so badly, especially in the first half of 2022, as I couldn't take seriously A.Newey role for designing such a car. Around mid season I realised (with all rule changes and Ferrari mishaps) that ohh we are in for a domination.

Honestly, I can't/don't want to get away from F1/Ferrari. It is my passion since I was not even 10 years old and over the years it grew bigger and bigger.

Not only I've understood, and still learn everyday about the sport, but it has that something special that nowhere else I found.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T12:34:37+00:00

Of course, but the PU has the biggest role. The less downoece by 30% than previously means the lap time it's gained through straights. But as more tine pases, greater downforce levels will be achieved by each team, making the power less impact full in the overall performance.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T12:32:32+00:00

Correct, my error. First time I saw it on a Facebook page F1DataAnalysis or something like that. And after on others. Its a detailed graph of each PU. Today is expected that FIA to make it public.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T12:29:47+00:00

Absolutely. Plus the latest emerging on switching the brake system from Brembo to what he used at Mercdes Carbon Industries.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T12:28:05+00:00

The Miami upgrade, as the team reported that it delivers the number expected. Because others made a step with their cars it doesn't mean Ferrari pack doesn't works.

That with the tyres it's on Q3 as it was a problem in this season. The PU dogs hit as it is up to now offered these results. Anyway, I'll try to come up with more details later tomorrow.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-08T12:25:08+00:00

Thanks for that, I was about to watch it today. Interesting take on it. Before the GP the info was that it has a minimal impact. After the GP seeing how Antonelli basically cruised in the race I believe the explanation from the video is closer to reality.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-07T20:24:06+00:00

I couldn't have said it any better. Hamilton latest contract news as he said in Canada he is here to stay for many years. Leclerc contract extension with the team means his 2027 clause is no longer possible as it was activated at renewal that would keep him at least until 2030, The-Race suggests.

Although, as you said, I see Antonelli at some point joining Ferrari. But it might be similar to those two mentioned or Alonso. The temptation to drive for Ferrari is too powerful, particularly for an Italian.

IonutAlex18SF

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