Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car, the SF-26, demands significant adaptation from drivers, particularly challenging Charles Leclerc’s natural style, according to team principal Frederic Vasseur. Despite this mismatch, Vasseur praises Leclerc’s sharp adaptation and strong performance in the season’s opening races.
Ferrari Emerges as Mercedes’ Top Rival
Ferrari positions itself as the primary challenger to Mercedes, who claimed victories in the first two Grands Prix and the Shanghai Sprint. The Scuderia’s new engines deliver superior launches, propelling both drivers into early-race battles for the lead. Over full race distances, Ferrari drivers consistently finish as the best of the rest.
Leclerc secured third place in Melbourne during the season opener. In China, Lewis Hamilton earned his first Ferrari podium with a thrilling duel against his teammate.
Close Drivers’ Standings After Hamilton’s Breakthrough
The drivers’ championship sees intense competition, with just one point separating Leclerc and Hamilton. This contrasts sharply with 2025, when Leclerc finished 86 points ahead after Hamilton’s difficult debut year at Ferrari.
Vasseur Highlights Leclerc’s Progress
Vasseur notes the new regulations require a different driving approach. He stated: “His [regulation era] requires probably more adaptation and changes – a different approach from the drivers. He is doing it. I’m not sure it was fitting very well with his style, but he is on it. He has a very good grip in understanding the situation with the car. He is very sharp, and he will do it.”
Hamilton Thrives in SF-26
Hamilton feels more comfortable in the SF-26 than in his 2025 car, having contributed to its design. Following his Shanghai podium, the seven-time champion ed optimism: “I started this voyage and this dream of moving to Ferrari and being on the top step with them, and this podium has taken longer than I had hoped. After a difficult year last year, to be able to be a part of developing with them, working with them over the past year, gives me huge pride and it’s such a privilege to be a part of this brand. They provided us a really solid car.”
Hamilton added: “I definitely feel like I’m back to my best, both mentally and physically. Training this winter has been the heaviest and the most intense that I’ve ever had, and that probably comes hand in hand with being older, but I’ve managed to pull these new tools together… I do think there’s more to come. I think I can still eke out more performance from this car.”
He continued: “I’m still learning about it as I go, particularly with deployment and that. Then on the backside, mid to end of last year, digging deep with the engineers and talking to them about the things that I wanted from a car that I didn’t have any part of developing last year. To then develop the car with them this year, I’m incredibly grateful to them for listening on that side of things.”
