Ferrari still has a long road ahead to close the gap to Mercedes in Formula 1. Even after the introduction of a new power unit and Charles Leclerc’s victory at the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton stated that the necessary evolution will require time and ongoing work.
According to the seven-time champion, the Italian outfit has built a solid base in 2026, especially in terms of reliability, but significant changes in the performance of the power unit do not happen overnight.
Although the SF-26 is cited as one of the grid’s most competitive cars in terms of the chassis, Ferrari still struggles on faster sections on the straights. The principal factor cited is a lack of top speed, something Hamilton and Leclerc have identified throughout the season.
The Briton explained that drivers have limited involvement in this process and that development depends on the work carried out at the factory: “When it comes to the engine, there isn’t much a driver can do. It is the people in the factory and their experience who identify the changes needed to unlock the potential of the power unit,” he said.
Hamilton detailed that, during race weekends, the drivers provide feedback on handling, throttle response, gear shifts and drive ratios: “We’re always pushing for changes, or at least pointing out issues for the team to return to the simulator and assess whether this could yield a performance gain,” he added.
The British driver also highlighted a recurring feeling when comparing Ferrari’s data with its rivals: “Sometimes it seems that battery power is lacking at the end of the straights, because this shows up in comparisons with Mercedes and Red Bull,” he added.
Nevertheless, Hamilton made a point of praising the reliability demonstrated by the Italian car, in a season marked by mechanical and electrical issues across various teams. For him, this aspect represents an important foundation for future evolution.
“It’s important to understand that it takes months to design and implement changes that ensure reliability. The most impressive thing is that the team built a reliable car and power unit, and now we can evolve from that base thanks to the regulatory changes,” concluded the veteran British driver.
