Ferrari were one of the most productive teams in last week’s Barcelona action, accumulating over 400 laps with the SF-26.
The Maranello squad went through a comprehensive programme which, at least in Spain, could depend on a reliable package. However, there are still many unknowns – both in terms of reliability and pure performance.
Whilst these 2026 regulations present major challenges, the Ferrari hierarchy expects the team to secure big results.
A pivotal year for Ferrari’s trajectory
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello was a blockbuster move with immense implications. Arguably the biggest message from this agreement was this – Ferrari want to win in the short-term.
Moving to sign the 7-time Champion under Mercedes‘ nose was a declaration of the Scuderia’s intent. Acquiring Hamilton’s services at this stage of his career was clearly directed at fighting for titles as soon as possible.
Because of this, last year’s disappointment puts additional pressure on Ferrari heading into 2026.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann played an instrumental role in the negotiations with Hamilton. Team principal Fred Vasseur’s relationship with the British driver was also critical in convincing the 40-year-old to join.
However, for all the investment put into signing the #44 driver, there have been signs of frustration and impatience from the hierarchy about Ferrari’s results since assembling this all-star duo.
Most notably, John Elkann issued a series of fiery declarations at the end of 2025. These were the highlights from the Ferrari Chairman’s late-season message:
“If we look at our engineers, there is no doubt that the car has improved. If we look at the rest, it is not up to standard.
“We certainly have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less. We still have important races ahead of us, and it’s not impossible to finish second.”
Both Hamilton and Leclerc deserve credit for diffusing the situation when asked about these quotes, offering the media a series of diplomatic responses. With the 2025 season nearing its conclusion, the intensity of the Championship race meant this story faded into the background.
Regardless, Elkann’s quotes are indicative of the sentiment at Ferrari.
It was only last summer that Fred Vasseur’s position as team principal was under scrutiny. Reports from Italian outlets suggested the Frenchman was at risk of being replaced without improved results.
These claims were dismissed when Vasseur extended his contract to continue leading the Scuderia’s operations. However, this contractual boost does not necessarily offer guarantees about his future – an increasingly common theme in F1.
The expectation in 2026 is for Ferrari to secure results and contend for the Championship. A failure to at least fight for the crown could instigate a series of swift and decisive changes to the team’s senior leadership – including the team principal.
Of course, these scenarios remain hypothetical until the season begins.
Still, the general consensus is that a poor start to the year would not be well received by Ferrari’s ownership – and excuses will be insufficient. (cont. on next page)