The 2026 Formula 1 campaign has started with a Ferrari team displaying a level of focus and calm that has not been seen in Maranello for over a decade. Former F1 driver Franck Montagny, reflecting on the Scuderia’s approach, has suggested that rival teams should be “really concerned” about what Ferrari may have discovered.
After the first three rounds of the championship, Ferrari sits clearly as the second-best team on the grid, trailing only Mercedes. Both the German side and Ferrari have benefited from early investment and preparation under the new 2026 technical regulations. While the Silver Arrows have claimed every win and pole position to date, Ferrari has ensured that at least one of their drivers has reached the podium in each race, demonstrating consistent performance.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton currently occupy third and fourth places in the Formula 1 drivers’ standings, just behind Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. In the constructors’ championship, the Italian side holds a solid 44-point lead over McLaren in third place, further underlining their early-season stability.
Leclerc has consistently finished inside the top four in all three opening Grands Prix, while Lewis Hamilton earned his first podium for Ferrari with a P3 finish in China. Franck Montagny believes Ferrari’s composed approach suggests they may possess insights or strategies that other teams have not yet uncovered.
Fred Vasseur’s strategic calm hints at unseen advantages
Despite Mercedes enjoying a noticeable performance advantage over Ferrari in Australia, China, and Japan, Montagny has observed that Ferrari, from team principal Fred Vasseur down to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, has maintained an unusual level of serenity. The team has not shown signs of doubt or frustration, a stark contrast to typical early-season tensions.
Ferrari’s leadership has publicly suggested that the upcoming Miami Grand Prix could reshape the championship dynamics. The five-week interval between Japan and America provides an opportunity for the team to implement and test updates. Ferrari plans to evaluate these upgrades at Monza during a scheduled filming day, ensuring that they are fully prepared before arriving in Florida.
Montagny explained that the Maranello team’s current atmosphere reflects trust in their development process. He noted that the drivers remain confident and composed, irrespective of on-track battles or the performance of new components. Franck Montagny emphasized that this calmness is unique in today’s Formula 1 environment and could indicate Ferrari has uncovered a performance advantage that remains hidden from their rivals.
Potential ADUO engine upgrades to close the Mercedes gap
Another critical factor contributing to Ferrari’s optimism is the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system for 2026. According to Franck Montagny, Ferrari is expected to receive permission to implement performance upgrades to their power unit, while Mercedes, already the benchmark team for engine performance, will not benefit from the same opportunity. This could enable Ferrari to significantly reduce the gap to Mercedes in upcoming races.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, reflecting on the potential impact, believes Ferrari will get “much closer” to Mercedes once the ADUO engine upgrades are applied. Combined with Ferrari’s strategic calm, meticulous preparation, and driver consistency from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the Scuderia could be poised to challenge the Silver Arrows more effectively as the season progresses.
In summary, Ferrari’s blend of technical foresight, composed leadership under Fred Vasseur, and measured implementation of ADUO upgrades positions the team as a serious contender in 2026. While Mercedes has dominated the early rounds, the combination of on-track performance, strategic calm, and impending technical updates suggests that Ferrari may have an unexpected advantage heading into the Miami Grand Prix and beyond.
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