Vasseur's Ferrari chassis progress masked by 2026 engine deficit

Ferrari's 2026 season has been defined by the Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc rivalry, the continuing title drought and several missed chances to win. Behind those headlines, the SF-26 is considered by the writer to be arguably the best chassis on the grid, despite an engine deficit that team principal Fred Vasseur said the team knew would hold it back this year.

Ferrari has lost time to rivals on the straights but has been most competitive on traction-limited circuits such as the Hungaroring, and at altitude in Mexico City where the engine disadvantage is reduced. The car is strong through the corners and would pose a significant threat to Mercedes.

Vasseur, in charge since the start of 2023, has faced criticism over drivers getting in each other's way and pressure from the Italian media. Two wins so far this year are below Ferrari's standards, but the writer describes the trajectory as positive. Vasseur said that year one of the new rules would be very difficult, and that a chassis deficit can be addressed with upgrades while an engine deficit lasts the whole season.