Despite rumblings that Mercedes<\/a> will start with a strong engine, much as they did in 2014 before going on to dominate for years, little is known about their competitors\u2019 efforts.<\/p>\n Ferrari<\/a> adjusted well to a major change in 2017 and became challengers for the drivers\u2019 championship<\/a>. It\u2019s entirely possible that they emulate that next year too, especially with Lewis Hamilton\u2019s in-house experience.<\/p>\n After a difficult 2025 campaign, Ferrari are suffering one problem that hurts Charles Leclerc<\/a> and cannot seem to sort their energy management in Q3. It\u2019s costing him spots on the grid.<\/p>\n One problem is that Leclerc disagrees with Ferrari about a new update<\/a> and doesn\u2019t believe that an incoming rear suspension fix will rectify their woes.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Ferrari preparing a \u2018significantly\u2019 cheaper update to fix Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc\u2019s \u2018secret\u2019 F1 car issue<\/a><\/p>\n Hamilton has taken a step backwards at Ferrari<\/a> and is currently on his longest streak without a podium since he made his debut in 2007.<\/p>\n Earning a trophy soon would see him regain some much-needed confidence ahead of 2026, which could spell one of his last chances to claim a record eighth title.<\/p>\n Franco Nugnes now reports that the Scuderia are preparing an \u2018extreme\u2019 power unit design to counteract whatever Mercedes brings to the table next season. It could be a significant development.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I don\u2019t see any major problems at the car level, honestly, Antonio. Well, I see them in terms of the reliability of the power unit. Of something that will be there for those who are further ahead,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it is said in fact, repeatedly and continuously that Mercedes, or rather the Mercedes power unit, should have an advantage, but then from the rebounds that come. <\/p>\n \u201cFor example, at Maranello, they talk about an engine that is from a very extreme design point of view, with extremely interesting solutions and that something perhaps could pay something in terms of reliability due to the fact that it doesn\u2019t yet have petrol and fuel, let\u2019s say, more extreme than those we are talking about. This is the feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Ferrari](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2223560877-1-1024x669.jpg\")
Photo by Mark Sutton \u2013 Formula 1\/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesFerrari preparing \u2018extreme\u2019 2026 solution to counter Mercedes\u2019 reported engine \u2018advantage\u2019<\/p>\n