Charles Leclerc will not be using Ferrari’s latest engine specification at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, opting instead for the previous version. This decision comes after his crash at the Italian Grand Prix, which raised concerns about the condition of the newly introduced power unit.
Ferrari debuted the 067/6 engine, known as the ADUO2 spec, at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Leclerc’s crash at the Parabolica corner caused damage to his car and the engine unit installed at the time. Although initial external inspections did not reveal any visible cracks or breakages on the ADUO2 engine, Ferrari’s engineering team chose not to risk running it at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The FIA regulations require that all homologated engine components must be fully serviceable before being used in a race. To comply with these rules, Ferrari is conducting detailed X-ray inspections to identify any hidden damage that might have resulted from the crash. As a precaution, Leclerc will compete in Spain with the previous ADUO1 engine specification. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will continue using the latest ADUO2 engine without restrictions.
The Spanish Grand Prix will take place on the new Madrid circuit, known as the Madring, which features a mix of slow and fast corners. This layout demands extensive running for data collection and setup compromises. The altitude of Madrid, at 667 meters, is comparable to Austria’s Red Bull Ring, where the ADUO2’s improved turbo compressor has shown potential performance benefits.
Given the importance of Friday practice sessions for gathering data and preparing the car, Ferrari decided that using the older engine spec would be the safer option to avoid jeopardizing Leclerc’s race preparation. The SF-26 car is expected to perform well on the low-grip asphalt of the Madring, thanks to its aerodynamic features and traction advantages.
Qualifying pace will be particularly important at Madrid, as overtaking opportunities are limited on the new circuit. Ferrari may consider introducing a second ADUO2 engine for Leclerc later in the season if necessary, accepting a penalty for using a fifth power unit to ensure reliability during the championship run.
This cautious approach reflects Ferrari’s focus on managing risk and complying with FIA regulations while maintaining competitiveness. The situation highlights the challenges teams face when balancing technical upgrades and reliability in the demanding environment of Formula 1®.