The findings of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) performance analysis are confidential, but details of the document leaked during the Monaco race weekend.
It caused quite a stir in the paddock as to the surprise of many - including Red Bull - it was the Milton Keynes-based squad's engine that was deemed by the FIA as the field's benchmark.
It means that Red Bull is not allowed to introduce any additional upgrades to its engine this year.
Mercedes, on the other hand, was found to have a slight power deficit of just over 2 per cent according to the data, entitling the Brixworth-based team to one additional engine upgrade this year and one in 2027.
According to the measurements, Ferrari appeared to be even further behind with a power deficit of between 4 and 6 per cent. This deficit grants the Italian squad the coveted status to introduce two extra upgrades each this season and next season.
This immediately explains why Ferrari was initially so opposed to the new power ratio plans, as the extra updates they are allowed to implement lose effectiveness now that the internal combustion engine is becoming more important again.
Despite this political setback, Ferrari already has an aggressive plan of attack ready behind the scenes, led by engine chief Enrico Gualtieri. The Italians are rolling out an evolution strategy designed to virtually eliminate the deficit.
Article continues below.
Ferrari roadmap
The first step is scheduled for the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June, where Ferrari will introduce the third engine of the season.
The second step follows in September during their home race at Monza, where the fourth engine change will coincide with the second permitted ADUO upgrade.
Because the Italians are also allowed to make extensive changes to the engine’s internal components thanks to their underdog status, expectations within the team are high. Although it won’t be a completely new power unit, the modifications should yield a gain of about 30 horsepower.
The decision to push through these updates right now is a deliberate strategic move.
The upcoming tracks in Austria, Great Britain, and Belgium are extremely demanding on the engine and require high energy management.
Ferrari has already proven its chassis can perform well, having won out in Barcelona last weekend with Lewis Hamilton.
The team will now hope the engine boost will allow it to close the gap further and get involved in the title fight.
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