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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have high expectations for the 2026 Formula 1 season after a torrid 2025.
Ferrari went winless last season as they finished fourth in the standings, with Leclerc scoring all seven of the team’s podiums. They both expressed frustration about the car and how tricky it was to handle throughout the year.
The Maranello outfit opted to focus most of their attention on the 2026 F1 regulations, limiting the development of the SF-25. Ferrari switched to a pull-rod suspension in 2025, a decision they would later come to regret.
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Hamilton and Leclerc pushed for aerodynamic upgrades, but these wishes were ignored. Team principal Fred Vasseur opted to focus on the suspension and adapt it to improve their situation, much to the team’s disapproval.
Now, Ferrari are under pressure to deliver their star drivers a competitive car under the new regulations. After last year’s failure, it seems that Hamilton and Leclerc’s feedback is finally being taken on board.
Ferrari aim to make the SF-26 more ‘predictable’ for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
A report from La Gazzetta dello Sport has shared details about Ferrari’s plans for their 2026 car, the SF-26. The team’s ‘primary objective’ is to address their issues with getting the tyres to work and a ‘lack of grip in critical conditions’.
Subsequently, under the guidance of Loic Serra, the technical department are looking to ‘completely redesign the suspension units to achieve a more stable and predictable mechanical platform’. Ferrari are set to return to a push-rod layout for 2026.
This decision aims to give Hamilton and Leclerc a more ‘consistent’ car that ‘doesn’t lose efficiency or become unmanageable’ in varying grip levels on the track.
This is something that the drivers have ‘often reiterated’ to Ferrari. Hamilton and Leclerc want a more responsive car that ‘reacts’ and ‘behaves clearly’. With these changes, it seems that their demands are being met for the SF-26.
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Ferrari are under pressure to deliver a car for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
2026 is a critical season for Ferrari as they must deliver a strong package for their drivers. If they do not, their team could look very different come 2027.
Doubts are emerging about Hamilton within Ferrari after his dismal first season with the team. The rule changes could be just what he needs to find his form again, but rumours are already suggesting that Oliver Bearman could replace him next year.
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His teammate is also losing patience in Maranello, as the team consistently fail to give him a title-winning package. He is now considering his options, with Aston Martin viewing Leclerc as a ‘future leader’.
Another uncompetitive season for Ferrari would almost certainly put the team principal’s future in jeopardy. Vasseur has five races to save his job in 2026 as the Prancing Horse wants to return to the top of F1.
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