Francesco Cigarini, who spent over twenty years at Ferrari and is now a former mechanic, offers his perspective on the team’s approach in 2026. The Chinese Grand Prix confirmed a clear picture: Mercedes remains the technical benchmark at the start of this season, but Ferrari has established itself as the primary challenger. In Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc showcased a more resilient car in the early stages and one better equipped to seize opportunities, signaling a team that is evolving and gaining momentum.
The Chinese weekend highlighted both differences and strengths. Mercedes still holds an edge in race pace, but Ferrari demonstrated a consistency that had been missing in recent years. Aggressive starts, the ability to stay upfront in the opening laps, and the overall management of the technical package reflect a team that is more confident and flexible in its decision-making. Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium in red, Charles Leclerc continues to deliver reliably, and the internal atmosphere appears lighter and growth-oriented. It’s an environment that doesn’t erase the gap to Mercedes but points to a clear direction.
Cigarini: “More freedom at key moments”
“What I recognize in Ferrari, beyond the quality of work on the car and the regulation changes, is the variety of solutions they are bringing to the track. Everything seems to indicate a shift in mindset and a less ‘locked-in’ approach. The results and the quality of the drivers give an additional push in this direction. All these factors increase awareness and build confidence within the team, both on track and in the factory, fueling the competitive spirit,” Francesco Cigarini explained.
“This year, you can feel the renewed desire to win, with a more aware Hamilton fully integrated into the project, alongside Charles’ talent. It’s a pity that there aren’t more podium contenders to create additional battles, although this regulation does allow for closer head-to-head racing. It’s an evolving situation—maybe the next forced break will shake things up—but I don’t foresee any short-term revolutions, even though I don’t know how close other teams are to finding solutions that could bring them back into podium contention.”
Francesco Cigarini’s words, spoken to Formula Passion, capture Ferrari’s current moment perfectly. It’s not just about raw performance; it’s about attitude. The team seems freer in its choices, less rigid in its processes, and more willing to take risks when necessary. This change is visible on track: more aggressive starts, less conservative strategies, and a safer management of both drivers. Lewis Hamilton finally appears fully engaged in the project, giving daily work a different weight. Charles Leclerc remains the technical and mental reference, and together they are building a foundation that could become solid.
The gap to Mercedes remains evident, particularly over race distance, but Ferrari now feels like a team that knows where it wants to go. This is no small detail. The internal confidence that Francesco Cigarini emphasizes repeatedly has been lacking in recent years. Now, the environment appears to believe in its work and refuses to settle for being the second team. While this won’t immediately close the gap, it’s the mindset needed to stay competitive and ready to seize every opportunity. In a long championship, this mentality can make all the difference.
The synergy between the Maranello factory and the trackside operations will therefore be tested by the upcoming development war. Ferrari’s newfound flexibility in their technical approach suggests that they are no longer afraid of the bold “innovative” solutions that were once the hallmark of their rivals. With the drivers fully aligned and the technical staff feeling the wind in their sails, the Scuderia is positioning itself not just as a participant in the 2026 era, but as a team with a clear, aggressive roadmap back to the top step of the podium.
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