New FIA engine tests set to begin June 1 will close Mercedes' compression ratio loophole, but Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur believes the change won't be a game-changer in the battle against the dominant Silver Arrows. The Anglo-German team exploited a technicality that allowed expansion of the 16:1 compression ratio during engine operation, giving them an estimated 20-30 horsepower advantage.

Vasseur is instead focusing on the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities mechanism, which allows manufacturers between 2-4% down on power to receive one upgrade, or two upgrades if more than 4% down. Ferrari currently trails Mercedes by 31 points in the constructors' championship, with qualifying deficits averaging six tenths of a second.

The Italian team is already working on multiple fronts to close the gap, acknowledging that performance issues extend beyond the power unit. "It's not just about the engine," Vasseur stated, pointing to energy management, chassis development, and aerodynamic improvements as equally critical areas needing attention.