Leclerc makes striking Ferrari confession with blunt Red Bull-Ford comparison

Charles Leclerc has admitted that the Scuderia Ferrari power unit currently appears to be trailing not only Mercedes , but also the Red Bull Ford powertrain in outright performance. The Monégasque driver was responding to questions surrounding the FIA’s ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system, which will see the first list of eligible manufacturers introduced in the aftermath of the Canadian Grand Prix . Leclerc expressed optimism that Ferrari could be included among the manufacturers permitted additional development support under the new framework.

Expanding on his comments, Leclerc explained that he believes Ferrari’s current power unit package is still lacking compared to both Mercedes and Red Bull Ford. “I think it’s going to be very difficult. They have a very big advantage, and I obviously don’t know yet if we are included.

I would be surprised if we’re not, because sometimes on the straights I can see that we are lacking a little bit compared to Mercedes or even the Ford power unit. But still, I think it will definitely help us try to get closer. Whether it will be enough to fully close the gap, I don’t know.

It also depends on what level we get to and whether we get it at all. But surely, if we do get it, it will help us get closer,” Leclerc said to GPblog . The ADUO system is an evaluation threshold introduced alongside the new regulations to allow engine manufacturers struggling on the ICE side to bring additional upgrades beyond the benchmark limits in an effort to keep power unit performance balanced across the grid.