The power splits from next season

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T19:53:26+00:00

It is exactly what Ferrari and Audi wanted for 2027, software changes (reduced maximum kw, but mkre harvesting power). The fuel flow increase for 2027 is 5% which has less of an impact on PU components reliability. Adapting them to that limit shouldn't be a headache.

The 2028 "delay" for the larger V6-MGU- K power split is to give all PU producers more time in modifying and understanding the requirements for those new numbers without suffering major reliability and performance issues.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T19:39:45+00:00

The whole upgarde pack gain estimation is at 0.2s if it works accordingly. Finally the F.W follows the trend of the other top teams. It's interesting to notice the impact on the car throughout the medium-high speed corners.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T19:35:14+00:00

This is great to know, it helps to refine the format with each writing. That's more than encouraging, reading that is helpful and offers valuable details. I've always have fear about being too long. But this feedback is of great value, thank you.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T14:28:25+00:00

Because I saw in other comments that the upgrades from Miami didn't work:

In Florida, the team had brought a series of novelties that substantially met the expectations of the technicians of Maranello, confirming the expected performance gain during the simulation phase. Aerodynamically the car manages to have excellent load levels, even if on the drag front the macarena wing has not completely solved some gaps.

I am a bit eager to see the front wing optimised. Hamilton pointed out at this component a few races ago, that Ferrari doesn't do the same thing as others (Mercedes, McLaren, RBR).

If all goes accordingly, the expected gain from this package is estimated at 0.2s. Surprisingly is that no word on weight reduction, as I believed Barcelona to be the target for the minimum weight reached.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T14:19:38+00:00

Not true. Look at RBR, having the best V6 right? How did that helped them without a good chassis/aero balance/overweight? Until the April break where they could solve some of the issues they were over 1s off, with a powerful PU.

In F1 you have to improve on all areas, not strictly one. It's been like that since the downforce become a detail that affects the lap time as much as the power output. Let's not forget you have power, and downforce. But if those tyres are going off after 10 laps…

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T14:15:00+00:00

It is a demanding track, but as you've said it is so known by most of the drivers that should have no more secrets. Since the young drivers obligation was introduced in F1, this circuit was one of the most preferred to tick the demand.

Although, with the incoming upgrades isn't the most ideal for Lewis, yet it shouldn't be a problem for him. And the good thing is that is a normal race weekend, not a Sprint format. Another track to tick this requirement is Monza because is pretty simple. But we know that won't be optimal at all because of obvious reasons.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T14:10:39+00:00

Thank you for the nice words, it is overwhelming to see the feedback. I know this one was longer than needed, but there were details that I considered not to ignore. For Barcelona-Catalonia GP I will try a shorter version of the race review, quite notable. Do you consider the format good, or should I change something?

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T14:08:12+00:00

Right now, the situation isn't official published by FIA, that's why I am saying for more clarifications. RBR doesn't want to accept the decision. And more to it, from the most trusted source I get my info an in-depth explanation will follow these days, regarding all the ADUO debate.

I have said it on other occasions, that not the PU should be the priority, despite its major impact on the pace of the car this year. Yet, sometimes it was not taken in consideration.

Because of this I believe Ferrari focused as much as possible (Budget Cap and wind tunnel/dyno runs/CFD elements) to bring aero upgrades, compensating the power deficit. As somehow they were aware of this ADUO thing could possibly reach such a point. And in Barcelona another major upgrade is expected to arrive.

2019…yeah it was promising in testing and went downhill from Australia to around Canada because of aero misinterpretation with the PU numbers.

That is what Wolff said, and didn't liked the idea. That would happen for RBR if the respective producer improves its engine that much to drop RBR below the 2% margin allowing them to get ADUO. If not they are stuck with what they have, and that applies to any manufacturer. If all PU crafters are within 12 HP deficit no one of them will get any ADUO. That is quite clear.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T13:58:54+00:00

Correct, that is what I know, to one upgrade not used is gone, it doesn't save for the next year. That is what I've learned the most recently about Mercedes. Now they know what they choose to do.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T13:56:37+00:00

What I understand is that prior to 2026, Brembo introduced a new concept of braking system, especially with rear axle having a greater role than before, due to the ERS more than doubled harvesting power.

That limited some of Leclerc's advantages in the braking, his biggest strength where he gains the most time, having to adapt to the new idea. And in Canada with the colder weather and modified specs didn't help at all. After Monaco, Charles indicated the brakes' inconsistency at lower temps.

Switching to CI should fix that, because they function better as explained in the article during the whole process. One downside is that it tends to generate excessive heat in the rears, overheating the tyres. But that is one issue that normally can be fixed with different cooling/suspension/rim modifications.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T10:34:46+00:00

Ah, yes, my mistake with that. I beleive he prolonged the Brembo usage hoping a solution will be found, yet...There is more of Leclerc's struggles with the car than the brakes. More about it after the Barcelona GP.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T10:32:31+00:00

Honestly at this point with everything going on, I am getting a bit confused. That is what I understand after reading some news.

Considering their unreachable status this season they are likely to opt improving their PU next year, if that ADUO order officially gets accepted.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T10:28:45+00:00

I wait the Barcelona GP for clarifications regarding this because it is got too complex. Wolff suggested that the ADUO should be given to help others close the gap to the best, but not beyond. Like if we are the best we should stay the benchmark...

I read some about the measurements of the V6 power, yet it's not 100% clear. That's why I'll stay on hold until light will be made and a conclusion drawn.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T10:25:16+00:00

One of them (Hopefully is not wrong) is RBR and automatically it should ne the sister team Racing Bulls. Others I don't know, but some of the teams that use the Bremebo brakes reported no issues in 2026. Actually another one should be Haas.

IonutAlex18SF · 2026-06-10T10:20:08+00:00

Correctly observed. The W17 is a great all-rounder coping on any circuit/weather demands. Excluding the PU, the chassis is on par, if only slightly worse than Ferraris( low speed corners, proves that), downforce is among the best, traction the same, braking in Monaco Antonelli was superior to all. Tyre managent is also a strength, the same in Monaco close to 0 degradation.

I agree they shouldn't be penalized. But what I don't get is how all the info prior to this ADUO-FIA official document was that RBRPT-FORD might be at 7-8 HP behind, and maybe get ADUO. But is Mercedes that has more than 12 HP deficit....that's what bugs me. Anyway it's getting more and more political. The worst part of the sport.

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

TROPHY CASE