Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari can achieve "huge gains" across all areas of its 2026 Formula 1 car, including the power unit, chassis, aerodynamics and tyre management. The Scuderia has emerged as Mercedes' main challenger this season but failed to convert front-row lockouts into victories, losing the opening three grands prix.

While Ferrari acknowledges a power unit deficit partly due to Mercedes' clever interpretation of engine rules, Leclerc insists the team cannot focus solely on engine performance. "Surely the Mercedes power units have a big advantage over us at the moment," he told Sky Sports F1, but emphasized that developing the chassis, aerodynamics and tyre management are equally crucial for closing the gap.

Team boss Fred Vasseur echoed this assessment, pledging to work hard across all performance areas. "Performance is coming from everywhere, but we have to do a step in every single area," Vasseur said. With the ADUO mechanism potentially offering powertrain upgrades for teams down on power, Ferrari must balance engine improvements with comprehensive car development to challenge Mercedes' dominance.