Ferrari have had trouble with their internal combustion engine under the 2026 regulations, and it is said to be even worse than newcomers, Audi.

The FIA’s ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) declared Ferrari were more than 4% behind the top power unit, Red Bull. Alongside Audi and Honda, the Maranello outfit are granted two upgrades for 2026 and 2027.

Ferrari have focused most of their efforts on improving the SF-26 aerodynamically. It has guided Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to one win each in 2026, but engine development has been left behind.

Ferrari’s 2026 internal combustion engine is ‘worse’ than Audi’s

The Maranello outfit have tried to bring upgrades to the power unit, but there have been concerns over reliability. Ferrari abandoned a new turbocharger at the last minute, despite months of development.

It has put them in a position where, according to journalist Julianne Cerasoli, Ferrari’s engine is even worse than Audi’s. The German manufacturer joined the sport in 2026, with the new regulations being key to their entry.

Cerasoli said via UOL Esporte: “Audi’s plan is to be right up front. But what everyone at Audi says is that our major engine project – which is what’s missing, isn’t it – is scheduled for 2028.

“So perhaps next year will still be a transitional year for them. They’ll improve the engine, but we also expect Ferrari to improve theirs, don’t we?

“Ferrari’s combustion engine is currently worse than Audi’s own combustion engine. So, with Haas using the Ferrari engine, they’ll also tend to improve. But it’s impossible to know what sort of year Haas will have, isn’t it?”

Audi halted development of their power unit until 2027, focusing on the new changes as the ICE and the battery power will shift from 50/50 to 60/40 in favour of the former.

With Cerasoli saying that the team are not expecting to be towards the front until 2028, it is alarming how they are already ahead of Ferrari, when the Italians have been in F1 since its inception in 1950, marking 77 years.

What is even more concerning is that Audi chief and former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said Audi were ’30 years behind’ his former team when he first came in.

The fact that Audi have outperformed Ferrari in their debut season is a fantastic achievement, but it paints a hugely concerning picture for Fred Vasseur, as he looks to guide the Italians to their first drivers’ title since 2007.