While Ferrari has been praised for their explosive race starts, the Scuderia holds deeper competitive advantages over Mercedes that extend well beyond the lights going out. These strengths could play a decisive role as the 2026 Formula 1 season unfolds, especially once Maranello introduces its next engine upgrade.
Ferrari’s new power unit, expected to debut no earlier than the Barcelona Grand Prix, is designed to help Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc close the gap to Mercedes, who currently enjoy a significant power advantage. In the opening three races of 2026, the Brackley-based Silver Arrows showcased superior efficiency, extracting maximum horsepower from both the internal combustion engine and electric hybrid components. This edge allowed Mercedes to claim victories in all three races and the first Sprint, building a 45-point lead over Ferrari in the championship standings.
Race Start Mastery: A Ferrari Strength
Under the guidance of team principal Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari has capitalized on two key competitive advantages versus Mercedes. The first is their exceptional race starts. From Melbourne to Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc consistently gained multiple positions off the line, demonstrating precise clutch control and launch procedures that have become a hallmark of Ferrari’s strategy. This ability to gain early track position gives them crucial leverage in controlling race pace and strategy, especially in the opening laps.
Cornering Speed: Leclerc’s Secret Weapon
The second advantage lies in cornering performance. Detailed lap comparisons at Suzuka between Charles Leclerc and rivals like Kimi Antonelli reveal that the Ferrari driver consistently carries more speed through turns. In previous F1 eras, this translated directly into maintaining or extending track position. However, in the current 2026 hybrid regulations, managing energy recovery and usage slightly tempers this benefit, allowing Mercedes’ W17 to exploit its straight-line efficiency and gain tenths of a second by the finish of each sector.
Charles Leclerc expressed frustration after qualifying at Suzuka, noting that the current technical rules limit his ability to fully leverage his traditional strengths in corners. His comments have prompted the FIA to launch discussions with teams, exploring potential regulatory adjustments to ensure that driver skill in cornering remains a meaningful factor in qualifying performance.
Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Path to Closing the Gap
Ferrari’s combination of superior race starts, cornering precision, and a forthcoming power unit upgrade could help Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc challenge Mercedes more effectively. While the Silver Arrows currently hold the upper hand in terms of raw horsepower, Maranello’s careful approach to development, energy management, and strategic execution may allow Ferrari to reclaim competitiveness as the season progresses.
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