How Ferrari’s 2026 season has played out so far
Ferrari’s early 2026 focus has yielded mixed results, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc securing emotional victories but facing stiff competition as rivals close the gap.
Ferrari prioritized 2026 development in 2025, a strategy that contributed to a winless season but positioned the team for stronger performances in 2026. The early-season upgrades paid dividends, with both Leclerc and Hamilton securing podiums in the opening rounds, including Hamilton’s first win with Ferrari in Barcelona. Leclerc’s victory at Silverstone followed, marking a surprising competitive turn at a circuit where Ferrari had not expected to contend. The team’s progress is evident, but the gap to rivals like McLaren and Red Bull remains narrow, underscoring the need for continued development.
Hamilton and Leclerc are closely matched in qualifying, with Leclerc leading 6-5, though neither has secured a pole position in 2026. Hamilton holds a slight edge in race-day results, finishing in the top six on six occasions compared to Leclerc’s five, while both have one win apiece. Hamilton has achieved five podiums to Leclerc’s four, and crucially, Hamilton has finished in the points at every race, avoiding retirements. The drivers’ contrasting fortunes reflect Ferrari’s uneven progress, with Hamilton’s Barcelona win and Leclerc’s Silverstone triumph providing emotional milestones after their winless 2025.
The Austrian Grand Prix served as a reality check for Ferrari, as both cars struggled with tyre degradation in hot conditions, resulting in P5 for Hamilton and P8 for Leclerc. Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the team’s lack of pace relative to rivals, attributing the setback to overemphasis on Mercedes and a need to refocus. The weekend highlighted the challenges Ferrari faces in maintaining competitiveness amid a tightening development race. Vasseur’s admission underscored the urgency for Ferrari to address their performance gaps before the season’s second half.
With the Hungarian Grand Prix revealing the rapid progress of McLaren and Red Bull, Ferrari’s focus now shifts to sustaining momentum in the championship. Vasseur and Leclerc have expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, with Hamilton remaining in contention for the Drivers’ Championship. The second half of the season will be critical, as Ferrari aims to close the gap further and capitalize on opportunities to secure additional victories. The Scuderia’s ability to deliver consistent upgrades and maintain pace will determine their success in the increasingly competitive 2026 campaign.