Mercedes insiders are reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with the narrative that Ferrari possesses the strongest chassis on the 2026 Formula 1 grid while Mercedes owes its success primarily to its power unit advantage.
The debate intensified following the Monaco Grand Prix, a circuit traditionally viewed as one of the least engine-dependent venues on the calendar. If Ferrari truly held a decisive chassis advantage, Monte Carlo should have offered the perfect opportunity to prove it. Instead, Mercedes delivered another dominant performance, further strengthening its grip on both championships and raising fresh questions about the true competitive order in Formula 1.
Heading into the Monaco weekend, many paddock observers considered Ferrari the team to beat. The characteristics of the SF-26, combined with the advantages linked to Ferrari’s smaller turbo concept, were expected to shine through the slow-speed corners and traction zones that define the streets of Monte Carlo.
However, the race unfolded very differently.
Kimi Antonelli secured his fifth consecutive victory in commanding fashion, converting pole position into another flawless win for Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line in second place, while Charles Leclerc’s difficult weekend ended in disappointment after a crash at the final corner following the Safety Car restart.
Far from mounting a challenge for victory, Ferrari never looked capable of threatening Kimi Antonelli at the front, despite competing on a circuit that was widely predicted to favor the Scuderia.
Mercedes wants recognition for the entire package
Within Mercedes, there is a growing belief that the team’s achievements are being oversimplified. According to reports from the Monaco paddock, members of the Brackley operation are tired of hearing that the championship battle is being decided solely by the Brixworth power unit.
The argument frequently put forward by rival teams and commentators is that Ferrari possesses a superior chassis while Mercedes benefits mainly from engine performance. Yet Monaco, perhaps more than any other venue, provided an opportunity to test that theory.
With engine power traditionally playing a smaller role around the Principality, Mercedes still emerged as the benchmark. The result has reinforced the view inside the team that the W17 is not simply powered by the best engine but is also one of the most complete cars on the grid.
Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater revealed that several Mercedes personnel had expressed their frustration during the Monaco weekend. According to Craig Slater, members of the team felt increasingly irritated by suggestions that Mercedes’ championship lead was built almost entirely on power unit superiority while Ferrari supposedly possessed a “super chassis.”
The Monaco result, in their eyes, provided strong evidence to the contrary.
Even McLaren, according to Slater, has acknowledged that Mercedes has built an exceptionally strong overall package and that its success cannot simply be attributed to power unit performance.
Monaco strengthens Mercedes’ argument
Kimi Antonelli’s performance added even more weight to Mercedes’ position. The Italian driver was virtually untouchable throughout the weekend, producing one of the most dominant displays of the season.
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer compared Kimi Antonelli‘s Monaco performance to the level once displayed by Sebastian Vettel during his most dominant years. The Mercedes driver claimed pole position and controlled the race from start to finish, while his fastest lap was reportedly more than one second quicker than Lewis Hamilton’s best effort.
Such a margin on a circuit where drivers usually operate near the absolute limit highlighted the strength of both the driver and the car.
The discussion becomes even more interesting when considering the FIA’s recent findings regarding power unit performance. Through the ADUO monitoring system, Red Bull’s engine package has reportedly been identified as the strongest on the grid, contradicting claims that Mercedes enjoys an overwhelming power advantage.
That assessment further supports Mercedes’ belief that its success is being driven by a combination of factors, including chassis performance, operational execution, tire management and driver excellence.
Ferrari still searching for answers
At Ferrari, there is a growing recognition that significant work remains to be done before the team can consistently challenge for victories.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have acknowledged throughout the season that Mercedes currently holds the upper hand in several key areas. Following Monaco, Lewis Hamilton reportedly highlighted how much more sophisticated the Mercedes package appeared compared to Ferrari’s current car, underlining the development gap that still separates the two teams.
The situation is particularly concerning given that Ferrari has been granted additional development opportunities under the ADUO framework for both 2026 and 2027, providing the Scuderia with valuable chances to close the performance deficit.
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard admitted he was surprised by the frankness of Lewis Hamilton’s comments regarding Ferrari’s shortcomings, recalling how Alain Prost famously faced serious consequences after publicly criticizing Ferrari machinery during his own time with the team.
Nevertheless, the underlying message is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Despite flashes of competitiveness from both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Ferrari still lacks the consistency and overall performance required to regularly challenge Mercedes at the front.
Monaco was expected to showcase Ferrari’s strengths. Instead, it reinforced Mercedes’ belief that its dominance is about far more than just engine power and highlighted the scale of the challenge still facing the Maranello team as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues.
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