Ferrari F-26 updates: Fred Vasseur admits early-season limitations due to budget cap. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur explains the SF-26 updates planned for Miami.

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur is looking ahead to a different challenge in the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, as all teams are expected to bring major upgrades to their cars. After three rounds of the 2026 season, Ferrari has collected three podiums, with Charles Leclerc securing two (Australia and Japan) and Lewis Hamilton one (China). The Scuderia currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship with 90 points, 45 points behind Mercedes, who have dominated the early phase of the season.

Hunting down Mercedes

The April break, caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix, gives teams the opportunity to refine and introduce upgrades to improve their cars. Fred Vasseur has emphasized that Ferrari is determined to maximize the potential of the SF-26, describing the planned developments for Miami as a “package and a half.” These upgrades are designed to ensure Ferrari is competitive as the championship enters a new phase.

Ferrari preparing the ‘package and a half’ for Miami

Speaking to Sky Sport Deutschland at Suzuka, Fred Vasseur clarified the team’s approach: “Don’t misunderstand my words – every team will have updates and will modify their cars. Everything will change, it will feel like a new season. In the first races, we didn’t give our maximum, partly due to the budget cap. From now on, everyone will push at full power. The most important thing will be each team’s ability to introduce new upgrades effectively.”

Ferrari’s strategy indicates a focus on maximizing performance and closing the gap to Mercedes, leveraging both technical improvements and the drivers’ skills. With Miami on the horizon, the Scuderia is set to transform the SF-26 into a more competitive package, ready to challenge for victories in the next stage of the 2026 season.

Fred Vasseur’s comments therefore reveal that Ferrari’s early-season performance was a calculated balance between on-track results and long-term financial strategy. Based on the content of his update roadmap, the Miami Grand Prix will serve as the true key test for the SF-26’s championship credentials.