Bernie R. Apolinario

Let’s go home

Ferrari has been competitive but faces a clear power deficit compared to Mercedes, especially in qualifying and on power-sensitive tracks. The SF-26 car shows strong cornering and overall balance, but the power unit (PU) lags behind, with rumors of a ~20 hp shortfall in the V6 ICE component. 
Power Unit Situation
Ferrari designed their 2026 PU with a smaller turbo to minimize turbo lag and deliver excellent race starts (a clear advantage early in the season, helping Leclerc challenge at the front in places like Melbourne). However, this choice has raised concerns among some engineers about a potential power deficit on longer straights or high-speed circuits. 
The bigger 2026 challenge affects the entire grid: the new regulations demand a near 50/50 split between combustion and electric power, with a small battery that drains quickly. This leads to heavy “energy management,” “super-clipping” (sudden power reductions to recharge the battery), and lift-and-coast driving—even in qualifying. It has created safety risks from big speed differences between cars. 
Ferrari isn’t the only one struggling here, but their PU has shown specific reliability or optimization hiccups. Recent reports mention engine issues on the SF-26, with the team preparing an ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) update to address them. This isn’t a full new power unit but targeted fixes, including changes to the power unit and possibly software for better energy deployment. 
Recent Races and “Power Cut Short”
In the last couple of races (around the Japan/China period and into early April), there have been instances where drivers (including Leclerc and Hamilton) experienced unexpected power reductions or “clipping.” These stem from the new hybrid rules forcing the system to prioritize battery recharging over full power delivery. It isn’t a deliberate “cut” by the team in the old sense (like past fuel-flow or ERS controversies), but rather the complex new energy management algorithms kicking in—sometimes resetting modes when throttle inputs dip slightly. 
Ferrari has been vocal about these 2026 PU challenges from the start (they even warned the FIA about start-line complexities a year ago and blocked some proposed changes because their design already handled them better). They’re now running revised engines on the dyno in Maranello to close the gap to Mercedes. 
Upcoming Developments
• ADUO upgrade — Expected soon (possibly tied to the sixth race evaluation point) to allow extra development if they’re 2-4% down on power. This could include software tweaks for energy management. 
• Miami upgrades — Ferrari is prepping a significant package (aero, cooling, weight reduction, and engine software) for the Miami GP after the April break, including a private test/filming day around April 22. 
• Broader F1 talks are ongoing with the FIA to tweak energy management rules (e.g., deployment limits or harvesting) to make qualifying and racing less “artificial” and safer.
Overall, Ferrari isn’t in crisis mode but is playing catch-up on raw power while leveraging their chassis strengths and start advantage. The whole field is adapting to these radical 2026 regs, and the next few races (post-break) should show if the ADUO fixes and Miami package can narrow the Mercedes gap.

We are getting there!

Our Sprint Race point-scorers in Shanghai 📊👊

Gatorade

Here’s my same photo of Dianne Angelie Indelible, yet I have decided to put something that can simply change mood. Yes, you’re right lemme fly that hair out this time closer!
Before and After

Dianne Angelie Indelible
See you on the next location.