After a sun-drenched weekend in Barcelona, McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella suggested that Ferrari’s SF-26 now boasts the strongest chassis on the Formula 1® grid. His comments followed Lewis Hamilton’s front-row start for Ferrari and a commanding race victory over Mercedes.
According to Stella, the Barcelona Grand Prix offered clear indications that the SF-26 excels through medium-speed corners. This assessment elevated Ferrari’s upgrade package, installed for the Spanish event, to a new level of technical evaluation among rival teams.
Ferrari introduced a comprehensive update ahead of the Barcelona race weekend, featuring a revised front wing and nose, a redesigned floor and diffuser, and altered sidepod bodywork to enhance downforce and aerodynamic efficiency. The package appeared to deliver on its promise, helping Hamilton to secure pole position and ultimately the top step of the podium.
While Ferrari took the limelight for chassis performance, Mercedes maintained an advantage with its more powerful power unit. George Russell chased Hamilton to the flag for second place, underlining that Mercedes still carries formidable pace across a single lap and in race trim.
Behind the two title contenders, Lando Norris claimed third for McLaren, benefiting from Kimi Antonelli’s retirement. McLaren’s car showed notable strengths in high-speed sections but struggled to find the same grip in slower corners.
Stella noted that McLaren is already preparing further aerodynamic upgrades aimed at increasing tyre load, optimising tyre usage in qualifying, and reducing degradation during races. These improvements are designed to address the team’s medium- and low-speed cornering challenges.
Looking ahead to the Austrian Grand Prix, Stella expects Ferrari’s chassis to remain the benchmark in cornering performance, particularly as the profile of the Red Bull Ring tests similar speed ranges. However, he suggested that Mercedes may still claim an edge over a single lap when combining its chassis and power unit strengths.
The exchange highlighted how a focused upgrade package can shift the competitive balance among top teams. As Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren refine their machines, the championship battle may hinge on engineering refinements as much as driver performance.
The Barcelona weekend underlined the fine margins that now separate the leading teams in Formula 1®. With Austria on the horizon, attention will turn to whether the latest gains can be maintained on a different circuit layout and under new technical challenges.
