Ferrari heads to Spa-Francorchamps with a car that looks completely different from the one seen only a few weeks ago. Following the upgrades introduced between Barcelona, Austria and Silverstone, the SF-26 appears to have found a much more effective operating window, particularly in terms of energy management and maintaining consistent performance throughout a lap.
However, one question remains: will that be enough to challenge Mercedes at one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar? According to engineer Marco Coricelli’s analysis, the answer is not yet definitive.
Ferrari has improved, but Mercedes remains the benchmark
Ferrari has undoubtedly taken an important step forward.
The team’s revised energy management strategy allows power to be distributed more efficiently throughout the lap, improving performance consistency and making the SF-26 less dependent on changing track conditions. Mercedes, however, continues to hold an overall advantage when it comes to managing the hybrid system.
It is no longer simply a matter of having more horsepower. The real difference lies in how effectively the available energy is deployed throughout the lap.
Mercedes’ real advantage is not just the engine
One of the most interesting aspects highlighted in the analysis concerns the Power Unit itself. Many people assume the difference comes solely from the internal combustion engine, but modern Formula 1 performance depends largely on several key factors:
- energy recovery;
- deployment strategy;
- battery management software;
- the integration between the internal combustion engine and the electrical components.
It is precisely in these areas that Mercedes continues to set the standard in Formula 1.
Ferrari has reduced the gap in energy management
According to Marco Coricelli, Ferrari has significantly changed its philosophy regarding energy management. The new approach has improved performance consistency and, according to the engineer, shares several similarities with the strategy that Mercedes has been using successfully for some time. This evolution does not affect only the power unit.
It also influences several other areas of the car, including:
- the overall setup;
- load distribution;
- tyre behaviour;
- race management.
Spa will be the perfect test
Spa-Francorchamps is likely to be the ideal circuit to assess the true potential of the SF-26.
The Belgian track combines:
- very long straights;
- high-speed corners;
- significant elevation changes;
- extended full-throttle sections.
Under these conditions, several key characteristics will become much more evident, including:
- aerodynamic efficiency;
- the quality of energy management;
- the ability to maintain high top speed without compromising performance through the rest of the lap.
Where Mercedes still has the edge
Despite Ferrari’s recent progress, the direct comparison still highlights several areas where the Brackley-based car appears to hold an advantage.
Mercedes seems to benefit from:
- greater overall efficiency of the hybrid system;
- better battery utilisation;
- more refined energy deployment management;
- greater consistency throughout an entire race distance.
These are the kind of details that can still make a significant difference at a circuit like Spa-Francorchamps.
Can Ferrari really win?
The answer will come at the Belgian Grand Prix. If the SF-26 confirms the progress shown at Silverstone on another circuit where energy management plays such a crucial role, Ferrari can legitimately be considered a serious challenger to Mercedes.
If not, the Belgian Grand Prix will clearly highlight the final areas that still require improvement before Ferrari can consistently fight for victories at every type of circuit.
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