Ferrari have consolidated their position as the second-strongest team in the 2026 Formula 1 championship, but the central question remains: can Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc still bring Maranello back into contention for the constructors’ title?
The Belgian Grand Prix produced mixed emotions for Ferrari. There was understandable disappointment over a victory that slipped away and the penalty imposed on Lewis Hamilton, which may have compromised the team’s chances of securing a double podium. At the same time, however, Ferrari continued to show signs of progress and strengthened their status as Mercedes’ closest challenger.
Ferrari consolidate second place in the constructors’ fight
The SF-26 has developed into a car capable of competing regularly near the front of the field. Just as importantly, Ferrari can now rely on two drivers who are becoming increasingly competitive and consistent.
That represents a significant change compared with the opening part of the season. Ferrari are no longer dependent on one driver producing an exceptional result to maximise the team’s points. Charles Leclerc remains a constant presence near the front, while Lewis Hamilton’s improving form has given the team a much stronger overall platform.
Recent races have also shown that Ferrari can be competitive across circuits with markedly different characteristics. That suggests the SF-26 is operating effectively across an increasingly broad performance window, an encouraging development as the championship enters its next phase. Even so, Ferrari have already acknowledged that they must approach their Hungarian Grand Prix opportunity with confidence and caution.
Mercedes remain the benchmark, but they are not unbeatable
There is little doubt that Mercedes still possess the most complete technical package. The Brackley team’s car continues to set the reference in both qualifying and race conditions, giving Mercedes an advantage that Ferrari must overcome through development, execution and consistency.
However, the Belgian Grand Prix also confirmed another important point: reliability problems and unexpected incidents can quickly alter the balance of a championship. George Russell’s retirement was the clearest example, immediately opening an opportunity for Mercedes’ rivals to recover points.
Ferrari did not take full advantage of that opportunity, but the team still reduced Mercedes’ advantage in the constructors’ standings. The current comparison between Ferrari and Mercedes also shows why the battle cannot be judged solely on the results of one circuit.
Lewis Hamilton’s progress strengthens Ferrari as a team
During the first events of the season, it was primarily Charles Leclerc who maintained Ferrari’s competitive level and kept the team in contention near the front. In recent races, however, Lewis Hamilton has also found greater consistency.
That may be the most important development of all for Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur. A team capable of placing both drivers regularly in the leading positions dramatically increases its potential, both during individual race weekends and across the wider constructors’ championship.
Every position gained by the second car can make a decisive difference in a title battle. A strong result from one driver can limit the damage, but two drivers consistently scoring heavily can transform a team’s championship prospects. Hamilton’s arrival at a circuit where he has enjoyed exceptional success adds another source of optimism, with his Hungarian Grand Prix record strengthening Ferrari’s hopes before the Budapest weekend.
Is the 2026 constructors’ championship really over?
The question is unavoidable. With Mercedes still leading and Ferrari now established as the second force, is there a realistic possibility of reopening the constructors’ championship?
The answer is less straightforward than it might initially appear. If Mercedes continue to win consistently and bring both cars home near the front, recovering the deficit will remain extremely difficult. Ferrari cannot expect to erase a substantial gap through normal race-to-race fluctuations alone.
However, the season has already demonstrated how much retirements, technical problems, Safety Car periods and penalties can influence the championship. Every non-score carries enormous consequences in the constructors’ standings because a team can lose points with both cars during a single weekend.
That is precisely why Ferrari cannot afford to relax or treat second place as the limit of their ambitions. The opportunity may not appear at every Grand Prix, but the team must be prepared to capitalise whenever Mercedes encounter difficulties.
Consistency will decide whether Ferrari can apply pressure
Ferrari will not recover the deficit through isolated victories or occasional standout performances. The more important requirement is sustained competitiveness over an extended sequence of races.
That means regular podium finishes, strong results with both cars and as few operational or driving errors as possible. This is the real strength Ferrari have started to build during recent Grands Prix.
If Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc continue to finish regularly in the leading positions, the pressure on Mercedes will inevitably increase. Even when victory is unavailable, Ferrari must maximise every possible result and prevent Mercedes from extending their advantage.
The constructors’ championship rewards the combined performance of the entire team. Ferrari therefore need both sides of the garage to deliver, while strategy, pit stops, reliability and technical execution must all remain at a consistently high level.
Further Ferrari updates could change the competitive order
The season remains long, and none of the leading teams has completed its development programme. Ferrari are expected to introduce further updates after the summer break, while Mercedes and Red Bull will also continue evolving their respective cars.
The second half of the championship could consequently produce a very different competitive picture from the one seen so far. A successful development step could move Ferrari closer to Mercedes, while an ineffective package or a reliability setback could just as easily increase the gap.
Ferrari’s development work is already continuing, including the latest SF-26 rear-wing evolution introduced at the Hungaroring. The challenge will be ensuring that every new component improves the car without reducing the consistency Ferrari have established across different circuit layouts.
The Hungarian Grand Prix represents an important test
The next round will be particularly revealing. The Hungaroring presents a completely different challenge from Spa-Francorchamps and has traditionally rewarded cars with high aerodynamic efficiency and strong tyre management.
The latter area could work in Ferrari’s favour. The SF-26 has demonstrated encouraging tyre management during recent Grands Prix, although Charles Leclerc has already explained why Ferrari cannot automatically assume the Hungaroring will favour the car.
If the expected high temperatures materialise and Ferrari reproduce their recent tyre performance, Maranello could have an important opportunity to reduce the gap to Mercedes further. Conditions may nevertheless evolve throughout the weekend, making the latest Hungarian Grand Prix weather forecast especially relevant to car set-up, tyre preparation and race strategy.
The Budapest weekend will therefore provide an important indication of whether Ferrari’s recent progress is strong enough to translate into a sustained challenge across a wider range of circuits.
Ferrari must continue believing in the constructors’ title
Talking about the constructors’ championship at this stage may appear ambitious. Mercedes remain the favourites, possess the most complete package and continue to lead the standings.
Yet the season has already shown how quickly the competitive balance can change. Ferrari have finally rediscovered technical consistency, front-running performance and two drivers capable of fighting regularly near the front.
For that reason, the team in Maranello should continue believing that the constructors’ title remains possible. Ferrari cannot control the problems or incidents that may affect Mercedes, but they can ensure they are ready to take advantage whenever an opportunity emerges.
If retirements, penalties and other unpredictable events continue to play an important role, Ferrari’s pursuit may prove far less unrealistic than it currently appears.
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