Ferrari's SF-26 performance

Ferrari's SF-26 has shown strong performance in corners and on straights, but the team has struggled to convert this potential into race victories. Charles Leclerc secured two consecutive second-place finishes in Singapore and Austin, helping Ferrari regain some points, but the team has not won any of the six Grand Prix races since Monza.

Challenges facing the SF-26

According to multiple reports, the SF-26 faces three main challenges: a less powerful power unit compared to rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull, particular behavior of tires, and recurring difficulty in exploiting the full speed of the car at decisive moments. Ferrari's power unit is noted for lagging in the deployment of electrical energy, with figures from Austin showing that Lewis Hamilton had nearly a tenth of a lead over Kimi Antonelli at the start of a long straight, but was as much as two tenths behind at the end.

Technical progress and track conditions

Fred Vasseur explained that technical progress does not guarantee consistent performance, as an improved engine can sometimes perform worse on certain tracks. The Mexican Grand Prix is seen as a particularly revealing test, with Ferrari initially favoring a smaller turbocharger for responsiveness over maximum power. However, the altitude at the track may pose additional challenges for the team.

Competitor improvements and Leclerc's observations

Ferrari's progress is also being matched by competitors, with Mercedes and Red Bull improving their chassis and reducing Ferrari's advantage in certain corners. Leclerc noted that he has found new resources in his car, but he remains uncertain if this will translate into a win due to minimal gaps and potential improvements from rivals.

Tire behavior and qualifying challenges

The SF-26's tire behavior presents another challenge. While the car preserves tires well during races, this can be a drawback in qualifying sessions when track temperatures drop, making it difficult to generate enough heat for optimal grip. Leclerc mentioned this issue, noting that it complicates qualifying when track temperatures decrease.

Critical moments and suspension improvements

The third challenge is the loss of tenths at critical moments, such as during the last two laps of Q3. Vasseur highlighted that the extremely tight margins amplify the slightest imperfection, with factors like wind gusts, tire preparation, and pit lane exits potentially costing positions. Improvements in the front suspension have been made, but Ferrari may not have fully exploited these gains due to choices in the front wing setup and environmental factors affecting the balance of the cars.