Mercedes and Red Bull attack Ferrari, in view of next season but also for 2026. This is the indiscretion launched by Motorsport.com. Based on what the newspaper said, in fact, it seems that behind the will and choice of the teams of reduce the number of power units from 4 to 3 available to each team, there is a plan implemented by Brackley stables and from that of Milton Keynes. From what filters through, the idea of Mercedes and Red Bull with this decision - decreed through the F1 Commissions - could be put Ferrari in difficulty.
The Scuderia di Maranello, in fact, had planned the 2024 season considering (as was done for this year) the possibility of having 4 power units available, before having to serve a penalty. In 2024, however, this will not be the case, despite the number of races will be 24 (30 if we consider the 6 Sprints).
Mercedes and Red Bull vote for the 3 power units: their plan against Ferrari
The move by Mercedes and Red Bull, who managed to manage their power units for longer during the 2023 year, is aimed at Ferrari, also with a view to 2026. As is easy to imagine, in fact, organizing and planning a season knowing being able to have 4 power units available is completely different than having 3. The number, in fact, in these circumstances is fundamental. Should a team serve a penalty - therefore fitting the fourth power unit - it will cost their driver one starting from the bottom. A move which, during a long season, can be almost decisive and create great difficulties (at least for a Grand Prix) for the teams that will have to be forced to proceed with the fourth unit.
What's happening in Maranello?
Ferrari, therefore, with this decision, will have the need to respond to the attack received from Mercedes and Red Bull. To do this, in Maranello they decided to bet everything on reliability. Let's talk about the fundamental element that must allow the 3 power units of the Red team to be able to resist for the 24 scheduled weekends. It cannot be ruled out, however, as reported by Motorsport.com, that Ferrari may still prefer to program the year on 4 power units. If this were the case, it would be decided to serve at least one penalty during the season. A final decision has not yet been made. But time passes. There is less and less left until the cars are presented, before their outing on the track which will inaugurate a season which - on a political level - is already starting to heat up.
SOURCE: Motorsport.com Italy
