Ferrari has returned to the Formula 1 championship fight, climbing to second place with two wins and 307 points in the 2026 season.
The team’s performance marks a stark contrast to the struggles of the previous year. After a difficult 2025 campaign, the SF-26 has proven to be compliant and competitive. The car has been fast and workable across various conditions, with regular update packages proving effective.
The Italian team has taken risks, as seen with the innovative “macarena” rear wing. This design reflects a risk-taking culture cultivated by team principal Fred Vasseur. Ferrari also maintained an early-season advantage off the line, though this benefit was negated by minor rule changes.
Despite not having the best power unit, the team has remained quick. Its ability to develop the car throughout the season, including a significant update in Spain, has been a key factor. The team relies on its ADU (Ability to Develop Utilization), which allows for ongoing improvements.
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Reliability and the Title Race
Reliability has been a strength, particularly from the power unit. The only race-ending mechanical issue came from a power steering failure that affected Charles Leclerc in Barcelona. Ferrari retains an outside chance of ending an 18-year wait for the Constructors’ Championship.
With a 72-point deficit to Mercedes, the task is large but not insurmountable. The team has outscored the leaders since the Spanish Grand Prix, keeping the title fight alive. Fred Vasseur noted that the season has unfolded in two distinct stages. Until Spain, Mercedes outscored Ferrari significantly. However, the gap closed after that event.
The team faces challenges on the engine side. Vasseur stated that inertia on the engine is higher than on the chassis. The goal is to maintain development pace while introducing parts every race. There are still 11 to 12 races remaining, leaving room for improvement.
Hamilton and Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton’s second season in red has shown significant improvement. He had a modest start, with a podium in China viewed with skepticism given his past success at the track. However, he found his rhythm in Canada and Monaco before winning in Barcelona.
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Hamilton has appeared transformed compared to his struggles in 2025. He credits this to working closely with race engineer Carlo Santi. The bond between the pair has been described as strong, earning Santi the nickname “Italian Bono.” Hamilton has pushed for changes, including a switch in brake suppliers, which has helped his progress.
“A lot of pawns have moved, managed to move a lot of things on the chessboard, and reposition myself, I think, within the team,” Hamilton said at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite recent penalties that have cost points, this is Hamilton’s strongest season since 2021. At 41, he is the oldest winner in Formula 1 history since 1970.
Charles Leclerc’s season has been more volatile. He started strongly before a mistake in Miami triggered a tailspin. This included three crashes in eight days and frustration with the SF-26. However, the Silverstone weekend brought a turnaround.
Leclerc seized his chance to triumph for the first time in nearly two years,