Ferrari could be in contention for a podium at the 2026 United States Grand Prix, according to Formula 1 journalist Roberto Chinchero, who believes Charles Leclerc’s impressive long-run performance offers encouragement ahead of the race. Speaking on Sky Sport Italia, the journalist assessed the expected battle between Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen at the front, while also considering whether Ferrari has enough pace to challenge the leading contenders.
Ferrari’s Austin podium hopes boosted by Charles Leclerc’s race pace
Roberto Chinchero discussed the prospects for the United States Grand Prix, focusing on the confrontation between Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with Ferrari potentially playing a part in the fight at the front.
The journalist said: “Kimi has his main challenger right alongside him on the front row. I don’t know whether Ferrari will be fighting for victory. Charles Leclerc completed a great long run, but I don’t know whether that will be enough for the win. Perhaps for the podium, yes.”
The assessment offers encouragement for Ferrari, particularly after Charles Leclerc’s encouraging performance during Austin practice. His race simulation has raised the possibility that the SF-26 could be more competitive over a Grand Prix distance, although Roberto Chinchero stopped short of predicting a fight for victory.
Roberto Chinchero reflects on Ferrari’s missed qualifying opportunity
Roberto Chinchero also reflected on Ferrari’s qualifying performance, suggesting that the team had the potential to secure a better starting position if everything had come together perfectly.
He explained: “But here we are again. With a perfect lap today, Ferrari could have taken a place on the front row with a 38.0. However, the others could also have found something with a perfect lap. Nobody extracts 100% of the car’s potential.”
The analysis highlights the difference between the theoretical performance available from a Formula 1 car and the lap time a driver ultimately delivers. For Ferrari, the attention now turns to whether Charles Leclerc can translate his promising practice pace into a strong race result.
The F1 Practice & Long-Run Analysis provides additional context for assessing practice pace, stint consistency and comparisons between drivers.
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