Ferrari may still be dealing with a significant power unit deficit compared to Mercedes, but Lewis Hamilton’s performance in Canada demonstrated that the SF-26 can still fight at the front under the right conditions.
Now the focus inside Maranello is already shifting toward the upcoming aerodynamic developments planned for Barcelona, where Ferrari believes the next major upgrade package could deliver an important performance boost.
Despite the estimated engine gap to Mercedes reportedly being worth around half a second, Ferrari managed to defend itself surprisingly well on a power-sensitive circuit like Montreal.
The attention now turns first toward Monaco, where the characteristics of the track could offer the SF-26 an even stronger opportunity to fight for victory, before the Scuderia introduces another important development package at the Barcelona circuit.
Ferrari continues developing the SF-26 despite engine deficit
Ferrari has no intention of slowing down the development of the SF-26, even if the most important future improvement is still expected to arrive through the ADUO system, which could help reduce part of the engine performance gap to Mercedes. The FIA is still expected to communicate the concessions granted to the teams, and for Ferrari, obtaining the crucial 4% threshold would be considered extremely important for the continuation of the project.
Starting from June, the 2027 Formula 1 project will begin occupying significantly more wind tunnel resources, but Ferrari already has several aerodynamic updates prepared for the current car.
How much the Barcelona package could be worth
According to AutoRacer.it, Ferrari is currently suffering from an estimated half-second disadvantage related to the power unit.
However, Lewis Hamilton was able to extract the maximum potential from the SF-26 in Canada thanks in part to the cooler temperatures, which helped reduce the wheelspin issues normally generated by overheating rear tyres. The work carried out by the seven-time Formula 1 world champion together with his group of engineers reportedly made a major difference throughout the Montreal weekend.
Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, once again struggled to fully perform in Montreal, although the Canadian circuit at least allowed Ferrari to move beyond some of the tracks that tend to exaggerate the SF-26’s understeer limitations. One particularly encouraging sign for Ferrari came from Lewis Hamilton’s ability to overtake Max Verstappen’s Red Bull despite the estimated four-tenth power disadvantage.
That situation reinforced the idea that Ferrari can still fight directly against Mercedes and Red Bull whenever tyre degradation remains under control and relatively balanced between the teams.
The SF-26’s strengths could become decisive at Monaco
While the SF-26 continues to lose performance on long straights, the Ferrari remains extremely competitive through corners and over kerbs.
On circuits where power unit performance plays a smaller role, the Maranello car could become a genuine threat to both Mercedes and McLaren. The next stop on the calendar is Monaco, where active aerodynamic zones should not play a major role. That scenario could strongly favour Ferrari considering the natural characteristics of the circuit.
And, as history repeatedly shows, Charles Leclerc often finds an extra level of performance on the streets of his home race.
Ferrari targeting two tenths with Barcelona upgrades
Barcelona will then host Ferrari’s second major upgrade package of the season.
According to the report, Frédéric Vasseur and Ferrari’s engineering department believe the new developments could theoretically be worth as much as two tenths of a second.
The Spanish Grand Prix is expected to introduce a further evolution of the FTM wing positioned ahead of the exhaust, alongside another revision of the floor design. Ferrari could even compare the new floor directly against the current specification during the opening free practice sessions in Barcelona. There may also be additional updates to the bodywork, although nothing particularly radical is currently expected in that area.
The most heavily revised component, however, is expected to be the front wing, which should become the central element of Ferrari’s latest aerodynamic push as the team continues trying to close the gap to Mercedes and McLaren during the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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