Ferrari is set to show an amazing ‘magic trick’ at the Austrian GP that no other team has been able to do.
Ferrari is reportedly bringing a new upgrade to the Austrian Grand Prix that many are calling a ‘magic trick’ that could change everything.
After 15 months driving for Ferrari, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finally took his first Formula One win in a red car at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This surprise victory puts him firmly in the race for the 2026 title, with 115 points—just 51 behind the leader, Kimi Antonelli.
To keep Hamilton’s hopes alive, Ferrari will need to keep improving their car to catch up with Mercedes, who are seen as having the fastest car this season. It looks like Ferrari is on the right track, as they plan to introduce an engine upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix. The FIA revealed that Ferrari’s engine was running four to six percent behind the top, which opens the door for them to use the ‘ADUO’ catch-up system in the new rules. This system helps slower engine makers close the gap without punishing the leaders.
Ferrari has been taking a unique approach this season by running their engine at 100 degrees, while others aim for 70-80 degrees. Though this cost some efficiency, it allowed them to design their car in a way that has worked well so far. Now, they’re pushing to reach 110 degrees—a new ‘unseen limit’ described as a ‘magic trick’ because it creates a more compressed fluid.
Along with this, Ferrari will use a new special fuel in Austria that burns more particles but produces fewer emissions. This upgrade was originally planned for the Belgian Grand Prix in July, but Ferrari sped it up to build on the momentum from Hamilton’s win in Barcelona. They also plan a second update before the important Italian Grand Prix in early September.
This news has caught the attention of others in Formula 1. McLaren’s driver and current champion Lando Norris said Ferrari could ‘embarrass’ their rivals if they fully use their engine’s potential alongside their strong chassis. “We’re lucky Ferrari don’t have a better engine right now. If they did, they’d be dominating,” Norris told Sky Sports F1 in Barcelona. “They’re the best in cornering, and we’re not close. If they improve their engine, they’ll embarrass everyone.”
It’s shaping up to be an exciting season!