The clearest assessment of the Ferrari SF-26 comes from someone observing it from the outside, but equipped with the technical knowledge to decode it. Oscar Piastri, who has had a challenging start to the 2026 season, provided an extremely concrete interpretation of Maranello’s project, pinpointing both its strengths and weaknesses with precision.
His comments, reported by Planet F1, offer an analysis that aligns perfectly with what has emerged from the opening races of the 2026 season: a car that is solid and quick in dynamic behavior, yet still incomplete in the overall balance between chassis, aerodynamics, and power unit performance.
The Ferrari SF-26 through Piastri’s eyes
“Ferrari is interesting because I feel it is almost faster through corners than Mercedes, but it may struggle a little in terms of power unit or aerodynamic drag. The Chinese Grand Prix was quite interesting, and I think even the way they managed to compete with Mercedes is very intriguing, because it’s not just about qualifying pace, where I think Mercedes has a clear advantage over everyone else, but the way Ferrari fights against them and keeps up, especially at the start of races, is very interesting to watch. So I think there’s something to learn from them.”
Effective in corners, but incomplete overall
The most important element in Oscar Piastri’s analysis is the clear distinction between cornering behavior and overall performance. The SF-26 stands out as an extremely competitive car on twisty sections, capable of generating enough downforce and cornering speed to match, and in some cases surpass, the Mercedes.
This point, far from trivial, confirms the quality of work done on the chassis and aerodynamic efficiency during corner entry and mid-corner phases. However, the picture changes significantly when analyzing the full lap.
The reference to the power unit is deliberate. In the 2026 regulatory context, with a highly relevant electric component and the absence of the MGU-H, energy management and overall hybrid system efficiency become decisive. This is precisely where the Mercedes W17 is building its advantage.
The “clear advantage” mentioned by Oscar Piastri in qualifying highlights this: Mercedes’ ability to produce superior performance peaks, especially in phases where electric deployment and internal combustion output must work in perfect synergy. McLaren, despite using the same engine, has not yet been able to exploit this advantage due to chassis limitations.
Ferrari, instead, seems to pay a deficit linked to two main areas: power unit efficiency and overall aerodynamic drag, which limits top-speed performance on full-throttle sections.
ADUO and new compression ratios: two levers to reopen the championship
The 2026 championship, at least in this early phase, has a clear leader. The Mercedes W17 has imposed a level of competitiveness that no other team has consistently matched. However, the situation is far from static. Two technical and regulatory developments could represent a concrete turning point for Ferrari.
The first is the activation of the ADUO. This system, which allows intervention in energy recovery and management, could help Maranello close part of the gap in the most critical phase of performance: overall delivery across the lap. Better use of the electric component, integrated with a more efficient strategy, could significantly reduce Mercedes’ advantage.
The second point concerns the modification of compression ratios scheduled from June 1. This adjustment directly affects the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, with potential benefits in both raw power and energy consumption. In a context where every detail of the power unit is decisive, this update could represent a turning point.
If these two technical levers achieve the expected results, Ferrari could not only reduce the gap but also start applying constant pressure on Toto Wolff’s team. In that case, the championship would take on an entirely different dimension.
The SF-26, although still incomplete, has already shown a solid foundation. If the engine deficit is reduced, Maranello’s car could transform from a pursuer to a disruptive presence, constantly appearing in the mirrors of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. At that point, the championship would no longer have a single dominant leader.
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