Racing
© Jonathan Borba
Charles Leclerc says Ferrari’s biggest problem in taking the 2026 Formula 1 fight to Mercedes is not its chassis, but a power-unit deficit in both optimization and outright power.
Ferrari has emerged as Mercedes’ closest challenger over the first three races, yet it is already 45 points behind in the constructors’ championship. The Scuderia sits second on 90 points after finishing third in every grand prix so far, while Mercedes has won all three races. Leclerc took third in Australia and Japan, and Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Ferrari podium at the 26th attempt in China.
Asked by media including RacingNews365 whether Ferrari can still catch Mercedes this season, Leclerc said he believes it can, but made clear where the current gap lies. “We are still very early on in the season, so yes, I do believe it’s possible,” the Ferrari driver said. “Is it a huge challenge? It absolutely is, and I think also because Mercedes is not relaxing and will keep pushing massively as well.”
Leclerc said the power unit is the main weakness in Ferrari’s package. “The optimisation of the power unit, which is probably the biggest difference between Mercedes and us at the moment,” he said. “Just with the optimisation, you can make a big difference. Then, of course, there’s not only that, but there’s also raw power, which we are lacking compared to them.”
That leaves Ferrari in an awkward position early in the season. Its car has shown enough underlying pace to stay in the fight, but not enough complete performance to match Mercedes across a full race distance and results trend.
Leclerc said Ferrari is at least getting a clearer understanding of where the car itself needs work. “We are starting to have quite a clear picture of what the characteristics of the car are that we need to improve to get better,” he said. “But I think chassis-wise it is quite a strong car actually, and that’s probably our strength so far.”
That matters because it gives Ferrari a solid base if it can reduce the engine shortfall. There is also a potential opening in Formula 1’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system after Miami. Power units judged to be 2% behind the benchmark set by Mercedes can receive one engine upgrade in 2026 and 2027, while those found to be 4% down can receive two upgrades per year.
For Ferrari, that makes the next phase of the season critical. Leclerc sees a strong chassis as a platform to build from, but if the power unit deficit remains the defining weakness, Mercedes’ early advantage will keep shaping the championship fight.