By Duniya Jan
Ferrari has finally unveiled the SF-26. Upon first glance, the car offers some promising improvements, including a 60,000 MGU-K Max RPM and 350kW MGU-K power. The Scuderia’s challenger looked promising during the Barcelona shakedown, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fastest and significant mileage being gained during the session. Whilst we all know not to base season expectations on testing – particularly due to the possibility of sandbagging – Barcelona certainly ignited a spark in many disheartened Tifosi, who are ready to boast that ‘Ferrari is back’.
Fans and foes alike probably wish to forget Ferrari’s underwhelming 2025 season, given that not even a single race crowned a Ferrari driver winner. Alongside the scarce and sporadic podiums, only in Hungary did the Italians qualify at pole. Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc was unable to capitalize on this sole opportunity, ultimately finishing outside of the podium behind Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and George Russell. In fact, Ferrari’s last race win was over a year ago at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, under Carlos Sainz’ banner. Given the now-Williams driver was infamously ousted to make room for 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, we’re all sure there’s a degree of smugness to be held by the Spaniard, particularly since 2025 marked the first ever season in which the legendary Hamilton failed to finish on a podium at least once. This all-time career low for Lewis Hamilton suggested to many that the driver was not at fault, but rather, the SF-25.
Of course, many analysts have attributed the latter half of Ferrari’s poor season to the team’s ceasing of development for the SF-25 in April. The lofty decision caused them to fall behind McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull who continued to push for upgrades after Ferrari announced its cutoff. Team Principal Frederic Vasseur nevertheless stood by the early abandonment of SF-25, calling it a ‘good decision’ after the equally dismal Qatar Grand Prix. Thus, a lot of pressure has been placed on the SF-26 to match its rivals in pace.
Many have referred to 2026 as a ‘make or break’ season for Ferrari as it finds itself the centre of swirling rumours concerning a Leclerc exit. Alongside these, fans worry of a potential Hamilton retirement should a similar season to 2025 emerge again. As usual, however, only at the season start in Australia will we see how the Italian challenger fares under the new regulations. Nonetheless, the only way is up for the Scuderia, and it is likely that Ferrari will see a strong start.
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