Ferrari changes it all in Jeddah: ICE, turbo, and hybrid units replaced – but no penalties!
Major technical update for Ferrari during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. Following the end of FP2, the Maranello team carried out a complete replacement of several power unit components on both cars – without incurring any grid penalties.
The replaced components are:
- ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)
- Turbo (Turbocharger)
- MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat)
- MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic)
- EX (Exhaust)
The good news? All these components are still within the limits allowed by the 2025 regulations, meaning no grid penalties for Leclerc and Hamilton. Updates were also made to the Ferrari power unit used by Ollie Bearman, who is competing with Haas this weekend.
Marc Gené, speaking live on Sky Sport F1, confirmed that “Ferrari’s crew finished working on the cars at 1 a.m. local time.”
FIA’s Statement
What Do These Parts Do?
ICE – Internal Combustion Engine
The thermal core of the power unit. It generates power by igniting an air-fuel mixture. It undergoes high stress and is regularly replaced after heavy use.
Turbo – Turbocharger
A compressor powered by exhaust gases that increases the pressure of air entering the ICE. More air = more power. Crucial for boosting the engine’s efficiency.
MGU-H – Heat Energy Recovery Unit
Recovers energy from the hot exhaust gases and converts it into electrical energy. It’s directly connected to the turbocharger and is one of the most complex hybrid components.
MGU-K – Kinetic Energy Recovery Unit
Works similarly to the old KERS system. It recovers kinetic energy under braking and stores it in the battery to be reused during acceleration. It also acts as an electric motor.
EX – Exhaust
This system expels burned gases from the engine. A change may be due to performance updates or excessive wear.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP, FIA
