CHARLES LECLERC PLAYS DOWN FERRARI'S ADUO UPGRADE AT AUSTRIAN GP

Ferrari rolled out its first engine upgrade under the new ADUO system at the Austrian Grand Prix, but Charles Leclerc quickly downplayed expectations. The ADUO regulations, designed for 2026, aim to level the playing field by allowing less powerful engine manufacturers to develop. The FIA ranked Red Bull as the benchmark, granting Mercedes one upgrade opportunity (2-4% deficit), while Ferrari, Audi, and Honda, over 4% off, get two.

Leclerc, however, called the initial Ferrari update "not a magic bullet" or "revolution," though a "step in the right direction." Ferrari's power unit director echoed this, labeling it "relatively minor," with a second, larger upgrade targeting post-summer. Friday practice at the Red Bull Ring underscored Leclerc's caution. Ferrari struggled significantly, with Leclerc P8 in FP2, nearly a second off pace. The fast, flowing track doesn't suit the current car's characteristics, unlike their Barcelona victory. Winning here looks like a long shot, complicating Ferrari's bid to cut into Mercedes' 72-point championship lead.