Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1® season has so far unfolded in two distinct phases, according to team principal Fred Vasseur. While the team has consistently held second place in the constructors’ championship, its performance trajectory reveals a clear split between the first and second halves of the season.
During the initial rounds, Mercedes established a strong advantage, outscoring Ferrari by approximately 100 points over four to five races leading up to the Spanish Grand Prix. However, since that event, Ferrari has managed to outscore Mercedes in a similar span of races, reflecting progress in car development and race execution. Despite this improvement, Ferrari continues to face challenges, particularly in enhancing engine performance to maintain momentum across the remaining 10 to 12 races.
Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton have encountered technical difficulties recently, including Russell’s retirement in Canada and penalties in Monaco, which have affected their points tally. Meanwhile, Ferrari has shown notable gains in qualifying pace, narrowing the gap to pole position from 0.442 seconds before Monaco to 0.204 seconds since the Spanish Grand Prix. This improvement has helped Ferrari reduce the deficit relative to Mercedes and other competitors.
In contrast to Ferrari’s more incremental development approach, McLaren has introduced larger upgrade packages this season, highlighted by Lando Norris securing pole position in Hungary. This underlines the competitive pressure Ferrari faces from rivals who are making significant strides through substantial updates.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have commented on the ongoing development battle. Hamilton expressed optimism that Ferrari’s upcoming power unit upgrades could help close the gap to Mercedes, while Leclerc emphasized the importance of aggressive development to keep pace with teams like McLaren. Ferrari’s focus remains on improving the power unit, including changes to the combustion chamber, as part of their efforts to enhance performance.
Fred Vasseur’s assessment of the season as having two halves captures the evolving dynamics within the championship. Ferrari’s ability to outscore Mercedes in recent races reflects tangible progress, though the team acknowledges that further improvements are necessary to sustain this trend. The technical setbacks experienced by Mercedes have influenced the points gap but have not decisively shifted the overall standings.
As the season continues, Ferrari aims to build on its qualifying gains and engine upgrades to maintain its position in the constructors’ championship. The team’s measured development strategy contrasts with the more aggressive upgrade paths of some rivals, highlighting different approaches within the paddock. The ongoing competition between Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull remains a focal point of the 2026 Formula 1® season.
