Norris suggests that Ferrari might excel with enhancements to their engine.

      World champion Lando Norris believes that Ferrari could become nearly unbeatable if their upcoming engine upgrades meet expectations. Following Lewis Hamilton's commanding win in Barcelona, focus is shifting swiftly to the next stage of Ferrari's development strategy under Formula 1's contentious ADUO engine equalization system.

      "We're fortunate that Ferrari doesn't have a superior engine at the moment," Norris stated after the Spanish Grand Prix. "If they enhance their engine, they will dominate completely. They already lead the pack in cornering speed. We’re not even close. If they boost their engine now, they’ll make everyone else seem insignificant," added the McLaren driver.

      According to Auto Motor und Sport, Ferrari’s current position results from a strategic choice. The team reportedly accepted a power deficit at the season's start to enhance other performance areas such as drivability, low-speed response, and aerodynamic efficiency. The first ADUO evaluation by the FIA allegedly confirmed Ferrari’s expectations, showing that their internal combustion engine was over 4 percent below the benchmark. This outcome has opened up several development prospects under the equalization system.

      Ferrari's initial engine upgrade is anticipated as soon as next week during the Austrian GP at Spielberg. Reports indicate that the current deficit of about 25 horsepower could be reduced by more than 50 percent. Additionally, another upgrade is understood to be in the works for Monza later in the season.

      Red Bull continues to contest the FIA’s controversial evaluation that designated Red Bull-Ford as the benchmark engine manufacturer, thereby limiting their development options. "We would definitely like to engage in a more in-depth discussion because we don't see a single data point suggesting we have an advantage over our partners at Mercedes," said team principal Laurent Mekies. He contends that Red Bull's on-track results tell a different story. "In Canada, with high ICE power sensitivity, we qualified sixth. In Monaco, with low ICE power sensitivity, we were nearly 0.04 from pole. Back in Barcelona, again with high ICE power sensitivity, we qualified sixth."

      Mekies asserts that Red Bull's own analysis does not align with the FIA’s findings. "We don’t see any data point where we consider ourselves ahead of the competition, let alone consistently so."

      Former Ferrari driver Rene Arnoux criticized the 2026 regulations, stating, "This regulation is unacceptable," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "It’s overly complicated, and it’s not right for drivers to have to recharge their batteries on the straight. I’m not against electric vehicles, but the 50-50 ratio was a bad idea."