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A massive step has been reportedly taken by Ferrari during their winter break in preparation for the 2026 F1 season. A recent news piece claims that the Prancing Horse have tested their 2026 F1 power unit in Maranello for the very first time.
The news was reported by the Italian wing of Motorsport.com, which also claimed that the experimental phase of the 2026 power unit was spearheaded by Enrico Gualtieri and Wolf Zimmermann. Though the first crank of the upcoming engine is an exciting prospect for the team, it is safe to say the current experimental version won't be seen inside any of the 2026 F1 cars given that the FIA is yet to finalize the technical regulations.
In 2026, the FIA is planning to make the cars smaller and lighter in an apparent bid to make racing more thrilling. Furthermore, the hybrid system will change drastically, with the car using almost 50% of its battery power. FIA could impose loads more changes before the 2026 F1 season arrives.
Nonetheless, Ferrari has, according to reports, successfully ignited its engines of the future. By the time the 2026 season arrives and new power units are introduced, the Italian team will likely have had many iterations tested in Maranello.
Helmut Marko claims Red Bull is ahead of Ferrari in the 2026 F1 power unit race
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko recently claimed the reigning world champions are "miles ahead" of Ferrari in developing their 2026 F1 engines.
Speaking to Motorsport-Total, Marko first stated that the Austrian-British outfit have hired top-level staff from other teams and that they have Ford as a partner.
“I don’t think we are technically behind," he said. "We have brought in people from Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault, and Cosworth [for the engine department]. We have Ford as a partner in the sector. We have absolute top people on the combustion engine. And we have two very bright minds on the electric side.”
He went on to claim that, in terms of running a complete power unit, they are ahead of the Prancing Horse, and that only Mercedes could be close to them.
“In August, we are running a complete combustion engine with MGU-K and battery," he said. "There, we are miles ahead of Audi; we are miles ahead of Ferrari; and Mercedes is about the same.”
The race for 2026 power units is well underway. Teams will now shift their focus even more towards their future given that the engine change deadline is imminent.
