Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has openly admitted that Ferrari is set to gain a major boost in the 2026 Formula 1 season thanks to the new Additional Development and Update Opportunities (ADUO) system.
The 19-year-old Italian, who currently leads the drivers’ championship after winning two of the first three races for Mercedes, believes the new regulation will help Ferrari close the gap on his team.
In a candid interview with Sky Sport Italy, Antonelli acknowledged Ferrari’s potential, saying: “I know there will be major changes. For example, the ADUO that has been granted to Ferrari, which will allow them to develop the engine, they will definitely get much closer because their car is already strong. If they manage to improve the engine as well, they’ll close the gap even more.”
The ADUO rule is designed to prevent one-team dominance by giving extra development tokens to manufacturers whose power units are behind the benchmark. Ferrari is expected to receive this assistance, particularly in power unit performance, where they are believed to trail Mercedes in certain areas.
Despite his rival’s admission, Antonelli remains focused on his own performance. “I’m not too worried,” he added, “but I’m aware that the other teams will catch up sooner or later.” He also highlighted that Mercedes will bring important updates of their own and praised the strong dynamic within his team.
Ferrari’s Opportunity
Ferrari’s chassis has already shown strong race pace this season. With the extra engine development allowed under ADUO, the Scuderia could become a much more consistent threat. Team principal Fred Vasseur is likely to push hard to maximise this opportunity, with significant aerodynamic upgrades also planned in the coming races.
What It Means for the 2026 Season
Antonelli’s honest assessment has added extra intrigue to the title battle. While Mercedes has set the early benchmark, the young Mercedes driver’s comments show respect for Ferrari’s package and the impact of the new balancing rule.
As the season heads towards Miami and beyond, all eyes will be on whether Ferrari can convert this major boost into genuine wins. For now, championship leader Kimi Antonelli is staying calm but he knows the Maranello squad is about to get stronger.