Ferrari reportedly orchestrates media leaks to challenge rivals' 2026 engine advantage

Ferrari is suspected of orchestrating a media campaign in Italy to leak information about a potential performance loophole exploited by Mercedes and Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 power units. The Scuderia, reportedly concerned about starting the new regulations cycle at a deficit, appears to be using the press to apply public and regulatory pressure on its rivals before the season even begins.

Why it matters:

This off-track maneuvering highlights the intense political and technical battles that define modern F1, extending far beyond the race circuit. If successful, Ferrari's strategy could force the FIA to intervene and potentially ban certain engine developments, leveling the playing field before a single 2026 car hits the track. It underscores the high stakes of the new power unit regulations, where an early advantage could define championship contention for years.

The details:

• Reports originating primarily from Italian media, such as Corriere dello Sport, claim Mercedes and likely Red Bull have found a regulatory loophole to extract more performance from their 2026 engines.
• The timing and source of these leaks are seen as strategic. With the season on hiatus, the narrative aims to build public momentum for a regulatory review.
• Ferrari, along with Honda and Audi, is identified as a manufacturer that does not currently possess this specific technical approach, putting them at a perceived disadvantage.
• The choice of Italian outlets is significant, as they are noted to have strong ties to Ferrari but limited paddock presence for other teams, suggesting the Scuderia as the primary source of the information campaign.
• The ultimate goal is believed to be prompting the FIA to ban the contested technology before it can be used, thereby neutralizing a key rival advantage.

The big picture:

This episode is a classic example of Formula 1's multifaceted competition, where engineering, politics, and media strategy intertwine. Ferrari's alleged actions reflect a team determined to leave no stone unturned in its quest to return to the front, leveraging every tool at its disposal. It also sets the stage for a contentious lead-up to the 2026 season, where technical legitimacy and regulatory interpretations will be fiercely debated alongside pure performance.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the FIA's response. The governing body will likely scrutinize the alleged loophole under the 2026 regulations. If the media pressure builds sufficiently, it may feel compelled to issue a clarification or ban, which could significantly alter several teams' development trajectories. Regardless of the outcome, this early skirmish confirms that the battle for 2026 supremacy is already well underway in the factories and the headlines.