By: The Prancing Horse is set to lose power unit customers over the next few years. Cadillac entered Formula 1 this year intending to begin producing its own engine as early as the 2027 season. However, regulatory changes — specifically the altered balance between internal combustion and electric power — have led the American manufacturer to extend its use of the Ferrari power unit into next season as well.
For the Scuderia, though, losing Cadillac as a customer is only a matter of time, and the same could soon happen with the other American outfit, Haas.
The team led by principal Ayao Komatsu formed ties with Toyota Gazoo Racing during the current season, and it is very difficult to believe that the Japanese brand wanted to associate itself with the team merely as a sponsor.
A precedent not to be ignored
Ferrari could lose its remaining customers and return to supplying power units only to its own cars, as it did in the past. The Scuderia has not always been in this position, you know. And there is no reason to fear a scenario without customer supplies.
The last time the Prancing Horse had only two cars powered by its own unit was, perhaps unsurprisingly, during Maranello’s golden years: from 1993 to 2005, with world championships won from 1999 to 2004.
Perhaps having only Ferrari cars equipped with its own power unit could be an advantage rather than a drawback. Cadillac’s departure is certain, while Haas’s could be only a matter of time, but perhaps that is exactly what is needed to start winning again: a way to regain focus and concentrate on what truly matters to Ferrari itself.
