Lewis Hamilton may have recently suggested that Ferrari still has significant work to do on the chassis side of the SF-26, but one of Formula 1’s greatest designers appears to see the car in a very different light.
Following the Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton openly acknowledged the progress Ferrari has made during the 2026 season but also highlighted what he perceives as a sizeable gap between the Scuderia and Mercedes in terms of overall car performance. The seven-time world champion pointed to Kimi Antonelli’s dominant Mercedes and implied that Ferrari’s package remains relatively simple compared to the benchmark currently setting the pace in Formula 1.
However, observations from the paddock suggest that not everyone shares that assessment.
Among those paying particularly close attention to Ferrari’s technical solutions has been Adrian Newey, a designer whose reputation and achievements make his actions impossible to ignore whenever he studies a rival car.
Adrian Newey continues to monitor Ferrari closely
Although Adrian Newey is now focused on Aston Martin’s long-term project, the legendary engineer has repeatedly been spotted examining Ferrari’s 2026 challenger whenever opportunities arise.
During the opening round of the season in Australia, Adrian Newey attracted attention by spending considerable time inspecting the SF-26 on the starting grid. Observers noted that he appeared particularly interested in several areas of the car, studying details that many other engineers might overlook.
That curiosity did not disappear as the season progressed. Reports from Monaco indicated that Adrian Newey once again devoted significant attention to Ferrari’s machine, spending time in the pit lane closely observing the SF-26. According to paddock accounts, he appeared especially interested in the aerodynamic concepts developed by the Maranello team.
Such behavior is noteworthy because Adrian Newey rarely dedicates prolonged attention to technical solutions he does not consider interesting or potentially effective.
Ferrari’s most innovative Formula 1 car in years?
Despite some criticism regarding overall competitiveness, many technical observers consider the SF-26 to be Ferrari’s most ambitious Formula 1 project in several seasons.
The car incorporates a number of unconventional ideas that have generated discussion throughout the paddock. Among the most talked-about concepts are the rotating rear wing solution and the innovative exhaust-related aerodynamic system that has become one of the defining features of Ferrari’s design philosophy.
Engineers at Maranello have consistently pursued aggressive concepts in an effort to compensate for a power unit deficit while maximizing aerodynamic efficiency. That approach has resulted in a car that often attracts attention from rival teams, even if the overall performance has not always matched Ferrari’s expectations.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have repeatedly highlighted the strengths of the chassis in certain conditions, particularly on circuits where aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip can compensate for shortcomings in outright engine performance.
Monaco highlighted Ferrari’s strengths and weaknesses
The Monaco Grand Prix offered a fascinating example of Ferrari’s current situation.
Heading into the weekend, many analysts considered the Scuderia among the favorites because of the characteristics of the SF-26. The narrow streets of Monte Carlo reward strong chassis performance, precise handling and confidence through slow-speed corners, all areas where Ferrari has generally performed well.
Although victory ultimately remained out of reach, the weekend reinforced the view that the SF-26 possesses significant underlying potential. At the same time, Mercedes demonstrated that its dominance cannot be attributed solely to engine performance. Kimi Antonelli’s commanding victory on the slowest circuit of the season showed that the Brackley-based team currently enjoys advantages in multiple areas of car performance.
That reality likely explains some of Lewis Hamilton’s frustration. The British driver knows that Ferrari still has ground to make up if it hopes to consistently challenge Mercedes across a full championship campaign.
Why Adrian Newey’s interest should encourage Ferrari
Perhaps the most important takeaway for Ferrari is that Adrian Newey continues to view the SF-26 as worthy of detailed examination.
The legendary designer has built championship-winning cars across multiple eras of Formula 1 and has developed a reputation for quickly identifying clever engineering solutions. When Adrian Newey repeatedly studies a rival car, it is generally because he believes there is something valuable to learn from it.
Earlier in the season, he was even seen sketching elements of Ferrari’s front wing architecture in his famous notebook, a detail that did not go unnoticed inside the paddock.
For Ferrari engineers, that level of attention can be viewed as a compliment. It suggests that despite the performance deficit to Mercedes, the SF-26 contains ideas capable of attracting the interest of Formula 1’s most respected technical minds.
The challenge now is translating innovation into consistent lap-time gains. If Ferrari can successfully exploit upcoming upgrades, reduce the remaining power unit deficit and continue refining the aerodynamic package, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc may yet find themselves with a car capable of mounting a genuine challenge at the front.
After all, the Scuderia already sits second in the Constructors’ Championship. And if one lesson can be drawn from Adrian Newey’s repeated fascination with the SF-26, it is that Ferrari’s technical foundations may be stronger than some recent comments have suggested.
