Formula 1 tech debate: Is the Ferrari SF-26 chassis truly the best on the grid?. Former F1 technical director responds to claims about Ferrari’s chassis.

Ferrari has shown significant progress over the last two rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship. Thanks to the upgrades introduced between Miami and Barcelona, the gap to Mercedes no longer appears as daunting as it once did. In fact, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, no one was able to match Lewis Hamilton’s pace.

Even earlier in the season, there was already a belief that the SF-26 possessed a strong chassis, with Ferrari’s lack of results being attributed more to power unit limitations and an incomplete understanding of the car’s behaviour. Three months into the campaign, it seems that Maranello has finally found the right direction.

However, it is still too early for celebrations. The Austrian circuit, which hosts this weekend’s race, has traditionally been favourable territory for both Red Bull and Mercedes. Only an exceptional performance—or perhaps extremely hot conditions—could significantly alter the expected competitive order.

For Ferrari’s rivals, though, the Scuderia has become a genuine concern. Lando Norris recently told the media that Ferrari may have the best chassis on the grid. But is that really the case?

“Lando Norris’ comments are more of a wake-up call for McLaren,” Gary Anderson explained while speaking to The Race. “They have the Mercedes engine, which is undoubtedly the best one. The SF-26 is not a bad car, and he had the opportunity to study it closely throughout the entire Barcelona Grand Prix.

“However, it is only a snapshot. An impressive one, of course, but still a temporary picture because that circuit has very specific characteristics. We also have to remember that Norris was sliding everywhere last Sunday, so it is not necessarily that the Ferrari was exceptional, but rather that his own car was underperforming.”

Gary Anderson’s remarks provide a more measured interpretation of Ferrari’s recent form. While the SF-26 has undoubtedly taken a step forward and appears increasingly competitive, drawing definitive conclusions about its chassis superiority may still be premature. The coming races, beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix, should offer a clearer indication of where Ferrari truly stands against its rivals.