Ferrari to continue SF-26 development despite championship deficit

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that the Scuderia will continue to develop its current SF-26 car despite a significant points deficit in both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Currently trailing Mercedes by 145 points in the constructors' standings, the team is also facing a gap in the drivers' championship, with Lewis Hamilton trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 101 points.

Vasseur explained that the decision to maintain development on the current model is strategic, noting that approximately 80 percent of the work done on the SF-26 can be transitioned to the 2027 project. This differs from the 2026 regulation changes, which required entirely new developments. The team must balance these efforts within the constraints of the budget cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions.

Internal dynamics are also under scrutiny following recent on-track tensions between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. While some analysts suggest the team might need to establish a driver hierarchy, Vasseur has emphasized a co-prime driver arrangement, noting that the contract structure was transparent from the start. The team is currently focusing on improving qualifying performance to better utilize their race pace.