Leclerc doubts Ferrari can close Mercedes gap under FIA ADUO rules

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has expressed significant doubt that his team can close the performance gap to Mercedes' power unit this season, even as Formula 1 prepares to issue its first assessments under a new engine development system. The comments come ahead of the inaugural evaluation period for the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) framework, which concludes after the Canadian Grand Prix.

The ADUO system is designed to prevent a single manufacturer from dominating under the sport's new engine homologation rules, which run from 2026 to 2030. The FIA monitors each power unit's Internal Combustion Engine performance through a Performance Index. Manufacturers whose engines are measured to be at least two percent behind the leading unit become eligible for additional in-season upgrade opportunities. A deficit of two to four percent grants one extra homologation upgrade, while a gap of four percent or more grants two.

Leclerc stated he expects Ferrari to qualify for assistance but questioned whether it would be sufficient. "I think it's going to be very difficult to catch Mercedes," Leclerc said. "I think they have a very big advantage." He added...