Jun.27 (GMM) Ferrari’s customer teams have delayed introducing the Scuderia’s upgraded power unit despite regulations requiring manufacturers to make new specifications available to their customers.
Ferrari debuted the first stage of its ADUO engine upgrade at the Austrian GP, hoping to close the remaining gap to championship leader Mercedes.
However, neither Haas nor Cadillac has fitted the revised engine.
When asked why, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu initially appeared reluctant to discuss the situation.
“That’s a question for Ferrari,” he smiled.
After further questioning, he explained: “We won’t be using the upgrade here.
“We haven’t decided when it will be introduced. The new configuration isn’t mandatory either.”
Komatsu confirmed Ferrari had technically complied with the regulations.
“Our partner is complying with the regulations,” insisted the Japanese.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the updated engines have been supplied to Ferrari’s customer teams but, because development only accelerated after the FIA approved Ferrari’s ADUO package following Monaco, spare parts remain in extremely short supply.
Ferrari insists the engines are fully race-ready and legal, but both Haas and Cadillac have opted against risking potential reliability issues or accident damage without adequate replacement components.
The Maranello team expects customer introductions to follow once production catches up, potentially from the Belgian GP.
Ferrari has also introduced aerodynamic updates in Austria, including a revised front wing endplate and changes around the exhaust and side guide vanes.
Some observers noted that Ferrari did not release any images of the rear of its car on Friday, amid reports the FIA intends to ban the clever ‘exhaust wing’ that has drawn attention and imitations this year.
The developments come after Lewis Hamilton’s breakthrough Ferrari victory in Barcelona revived the team’s championship hopes.
However, Friday’s running at the Red Bull Ring suggested Mercedes remains the benchmark.
Ferrari ambassador Marc Gene observed: “In Turn 1, it’s obvious to the naked eye how much better Antonelli’s car handles compared to the Ferrari.
“Incidentally, Kimi is also clearly stronger than Russell here.”