Ferrari must quickly turn its attention to the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid after a difficult home race at Monza ended with Charles Leclerc retiring and Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth. The new Madring circuit now gives the Maranello team an immediate opportunity to respond and try to return to the fight for the leading positions.
The Italian Grand Prix highlighted one of the SF-26’s biggest limitations at Monza, where Ferrari could do little against the strength of its rivals on the straights. The combination of tyre and straight-line speed problems for the SF-26 made Ferrari’s task particularly difficult, despite encouraging elements from the latest Power Unit development.
Ferrari needs to respond in Madrid after difficult Monza weekend
The Maranello team now faces an intense week between the Italian and Spanish Grands Prix. Lewis Hamilton delivered some strong comments after the Monza race concerning Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur, with particular criticism aimed at how the team manages its drivers.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion referred specifically to what happened at Turn 1 on the opening lap, when the two Ferrari drivers fought for position. Lewis Hamilton questioned the way such situations are handled within the team, adding another issue for Ferrari to address before heading to Madrid. Fred Vasseur has since outlined Ferrari’s position on team orders between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following the Monza clash.
Ferrari’s performance deficit was another major concern. The SF-26 could not realistically counter the straight-line strength of its rivals, even though the ADUO 2 update itself delivered what had been expected from it. The development was therefore not enough to transform Ferrari’s competitive position at a circuit where top-speed performance carried such importance.
The championship situation has also become increasingly difficult. Given the size of the deficit, both titles now appear largely out of reach, and Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged how difficult his 2026 title prospects have become. Nevertheless, Ferrari’s approach cannot change: the team still needs to keep pushing with development and improve its execution over the remaining races.
2026 Spanish GP schedule as Formula 1 heads to Madring
There is little time to dwell on Monza because the next challenge is already approaching. Formula 1 now travels to Madrid and the new Madring circuit for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, with Ferrari looking for an immediate response after its disappointing home weekend.
The Madrid event takes place from Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September. Fans can also consult the complete 2026 Formula 1 calendar for the remaining Grand Prix dates and venues.
Friday 11 September
- Free Practice 1: 13:30–14:30 CET
- Free Practice 2: 17:00–18:00 CET
Saturday 12 September
- Free Practice 3: 12:30–13:30 CET
- Qualifying: 16:00–17:00 CET
Sunday 13 September
- Race: 15:00 CET
All sessions will be broadcast on Sky Sport F1. For Ferrari, the Madrid weekend represents the next opportunity to put the disappointment of Monza behind it and assess the SF-26 on a completely different circuit as the team continues to push on development and execution.
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