Ferrari’s hopes of mounting a serious challenge for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship may depend on more than just improving the SF-26, according to Helmut Marko.
The veteran Red Bull advisor believes Mercedes have established themselves as the benchmark team under Formula 1’s new regulations, creating a significant gap that rivals Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are struggling to overcome.
While Ferrari continues to make progress with its chassis development and eagerly awaits potential power unit gains through the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) framework, Helmut Marko suggested that the Scuderia may need assistance from circumstances beyond its direct control if it hopes to close the championship gap.
In his assessment, the most realistic scenario involves a fierce internal battle developing between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes setting the standard in Formula 1
Five rounds into the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has emerged as the team every rival is chasing.
George Russell opened the campaign with victory in Australia before Kimi Antonelli embarked on a remarkable winning streak, securing consecutive triumphs in China, Japan, Miami and Canada.
The extraordinary start has transformed the young Italian into the early championship leader, while Mercedes has maintained a perfect record at the front of the field. Such dominance has left Ferrari facing an increasingly difficult challenge. Despite encouraging performances from both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the Scuderia remains a considerable distance behind the Silver Arrows in the Constructors’ Championship.
Although Ferrari has demonstrated strong race pace on certain circuits and continues to believe in the underlying potential of the SF-26, the team still faces a substantial points deficit after the opening phase of the season.
For many observers, Mercedes currently possesses the most complete package on the grid.
Helmut Marko sees one weakness in Mercedes’ title charge
Speaking about the competitive picture in Formula 1, Helmut Marko reportedly described Mercedes as the strongest team in virtually every major performance category.
According to the Austrian, Mercedes has not only developed the most competitive power unit but has also gained an advantage through its battery technology and overall vehicle package.
He further suggested that Mercedes has finally managed to produce a genuinely competitive chassis for the first time in several years, allowing the team to maximise the strengths of its engine package.
However, despite praising Mercedes’ technical superiority, Helmut Marko pointed to one possible vulnerability. The Red Bull advisor indicated that a prolonged championship battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli could potentially create internal tensions that rivals might exploit.
His view was that Mercedes’ competitors would likely need the two drivers to take points from one another and create friction within the team if they hope to prevent Mercedes from running away with both world titles. With Kimi Antonelli rapidly establishing himself as Formula 1’s newest superstar and George Russell determined to defend his status as team leader, the potential exists for an increasingly intense championship fight inside the Mercedes garage.
Whether that develops into a genuine internal conflict remains to be seen, but Helmut Marko appears convinced that rival teams would welcome such a scenario.
Ferrari still sees reasons for optimism
Despite the scale of Mercedes’ advantage, Ferrari has not abandoned hope of turning its season around.
The Maranello team remains confident that several upcoming developments could help reduce the performance gap. Team insiders have repeatedly expressed satisfaction with the fundamental characteristics of the SF-26 chassis, believing the car possesses greater potential than current results fully reflect.
Ferrari’s biggest limitation has generally been linked to power unit performance, an area where Mercedes currently enjoys a clear edge.
That is why the Scuderia continues to monitor the ADUO process closely. Should Ferrari receive additional development opportunities under the FIA’s system, the team could introduce upgrades designed to narrow the deficit and strengthen its title challenge during the second half of the season. Recent signs have also been encouraging from a tyre management perspective. Lewis Hamilton’s impressive second-place finish in Canada suggested Ferrari may finally be making progress in addressing one of the SF-26’s most troublesome weaknesses.
If those improvements continue while engine upgrades arrive as expected, Ferrari could become a much more consistent threat in the months ahead.
Charles Leclerc tipped to shine in Monaco
While Helmut Marko remains sceptical about Ferrari’s championship prospects over a full season, he appears considerably more optimistic regarding the team’s chances at Monaco.
The Austrian reportedly highlighted the unique characteristics of the Monte Carlo circuit, suggesting that Mercedes may struggle to fully exploit its strengths around a track dominated by low-speed corners and qualifying performance.
Those conditions could play directly into Ferrari’s hands. Charles Leclerc enters his home Grand Prix as one of the leading contenders after establishing an exceptional record around the streets of the Principality. The Monegasque driver finally secured his emotional maiden Monaco victory in 2024 and has consistently demonstrated extraordinary speed over a single lap at the venue.
Given Monaco’s importance on qualifying performance and track position, Helmut Marko reportedly viewed Charles Leclerc as one of the strongest candidates for pole position and, potentially, victory.
His assessment reflected the widely held belief that securing pole in Monaco often provides the foundation for winning the race itself due to the circuit’s limited overtaking opportunities.
Lewis Hamilton targeting first Ferrari victory
Ferrari’s optimism heading into Monaco is not centred solely on Charles Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton also arrives in the Principality encouraged by the progress shown during recent races. Following his impressive podium finish in Canada, reports have suggested that the seven-time world champion increasingly believes Ferrari has the tools required to challenge for victory on one of Formula 1’s most prestigious weekends.
Monaco has historically rewarded driver confidence, precision and experience, qualities that Lewis Hamilton possesses in abundance. Combined with Charles Leclerc’s outstanding record at his home circuit, Ferrari could enter the weekend with a realistic opportunity to challenge Mercedes more closely than at any point so far this season.
Whether that proves enough to begin a genuine title fight remains uncertain. However, if Helmut Marko’s assessment is correct, Ferrari may ultimately require not only stronger performance from the SF-26 but also an increasingly intense battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli if the Scuderia is to prevent Mercedes from dominating the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
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