Ferrari to introduce new engine upgrade in Belgium

Ferrari are set to bring a new engine hybrid system to the F1-75 machine when Formula 1 reconvenes at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Under new rules for 2022, certain parts of the power unit have been frozen since 1 March, which include the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Turbocharger and MGU-H. Performance related upgrades are banned, although improvements to reliability are permitted.

However, the MGU-K, Energy Store and Control Electronics may be upgraded up to 1 September, provided it has not been done so earlier in the season.

The race at Spa-Francorchamps is the last F1 race before the 1 September deadline, meaning all four manufacturers have one last chance to upgrade their offering before upgrades are banned.

F1 engines to remain frozen

Ferrari have suffered with their engine across the works and customer squads in 2022, with lead driver Charles Leclerc experiencing engine failures while leading in both Spain and Azerbaijan, forcing retirements.

Teammate Carlos Sainz suffered a fiery detonation of one of his units during the Austrian Grand Prix.

"Yes, we expect improvements to the hybrid system that can help us during the entire period of the engine freeze; we are working hard, but it won't be a turning point," Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto explained to the Italian version of Motorsport.com, while ruling out the possibility of stockpiling engines.

"I don't think that's a strategy, but rather the consequence.

"It was the case for [Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in 2021], because I don't think that was predetermined. It's always better to have the strongest, but most reliable engine."

The other engine manufacturers – Mercedes, Renault and Red Bull Powertrains – have yet to make public whether they intend to bring such an upgrade.

After the 1 September deadline has passed, the power unit architecture will remain the same until the end of 2025, ahead of the introduction of the new engine regulations for 2026.