Following a challenging weekend in Azerbaijan, Ferrari is preparing to introduce upgrades aimed at addressing the performance issues that have affected the SF-26 this season. Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has confirmed that developments are on their way to improve the car's competitiveness, responding to concerns raised by driver Charles Leclerc about the lack of recent progress.
At the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Ferrari's drivers finished in fourth and sixth positions, with Leclerc starting from second on the grid but losing ground early in the race. The team has faced ongoing difficulties with straight-line speed, which has impacted their ability to defend and maintain position during races. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled with tyre temperature management, which affected his overall race pace.
Vasseur acknowledged that rivals such as McLaren and Mercedes are also set to bring upgrades soon, highlighting the competitive nature of the current Formula 1® season. While Ferrari is focusing on the development of next year's car due to upcoming regulatory changes, the team remains committed to introducing improvements to the SF-26 in the near future. However, no specific timeline for these upgrades has been provided.
The performance gap related to chassis advantage appears to be narrowing compared to Ferrari's rivals, according to Vasseur. This suggests that while the team is still working to regain pace, the deficit is not as large as before. The planned upgrades are part of Ferrari's ongoing effort to improve straight-line speed and overall race performance, which have been key challenges throughout the season.
Leclerc's frustration over the lack of recent development reflects the pressures faced by the team as they balance current car improvements with preparations for the 2027 season. The situation underscores the complexity of competing in a tightly contested championship where every technical update can influence race outcomes.
Hamilton's difficulties with tyre temperature management also highlight the challenges Ferrari faces in optimising race pace under varying conditions. Addressing these issues will be crucial as the team seeks to enhance consistency and competitiveness across different circuits.
Ferrari's commitment to bringing upgrades soon indicates a strategic approach to managing resources between the current and next season's cars. While the exact impact of these developments remains to be seen, the team is clearly aware of the need to respond to rivals' progress and improve their position in the championship.