Lewis Hamilton has encouraged Ferrari that a ‘critical’ SF-26 issue is almost fixed

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Lewis Hamilton’s drive to finish the 2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix in P2 has encouraged Ferrari that the Scuderia have almost solved their thermal tyre degradation problems.

The Maranello natives are largely pleased with the chassis that they developed for the SF-26 and how their car shapes up to the competition, despite their inferior engine largely holding them back. Ferrari are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their upgraded engine thanks to ADUO.

Ferrari have already planned for an upgraded engine, with it widely believed in the paddock that the Italian outfit will qualify for the new-for-2026 Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system. The FIA set the Canadian GP as its deadline for granting ADUO status.

Lewis Hamilton’s race pace in Canada encourages Ferrari that their tyre management is improving

Despite Ferrari’s inferior engine compared to Mercedes’ unit which is widely regarded as the best design, Hamilton secured his best result with the pride of Italy to date with his P2 in the Canadian GP. He also beat Red Bull ace Max Verstappen in a direct fight to finish in second.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton’s seven best Mercedes drives before joining Ferrari in 2025

Hamilton’s P2 in the Canadian GP proved rather encouraging for Ferrari, too, as the 41-year-old managed to hide their ‘critical’ thermal tyre degradation at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. That is according to FormulaTecnica, which notes that it is one of the SF-26’s biggest flaws.

Ferrari often struggled to manage their tyre temperatures across the first four rounds of the season in Australia, China, Japan and Miami. But Hamilton only truly suffered over a 10-lap period in Canada, before bringing his tyres back into the right window to hunt Verstappen.

Verstappen initially took third place in the Canadian GP from Hamilton on Lap 9 out of 68, as the Red Bull man lunged down the Ferrari star’s inside under braking at Turn 1 while they were both using the soft C5 Pirelli tyres. Verstappen initially had better pace on the C4s, too.

But while Verstappen built almost a five-second lead over Hamilton after they both switched onto the C4 medium Pirelli tyres on Lap 31, the Briton rallied and struck back into Turn 1 on Lap 62. Hamilton flew around the outside under braking and held a 0.508s lead at the finish.

Now, Ferrari are encouraged that Hamilton’s P2 in the Canadian GP suggests they are on the right path with improving their tyre management. But they face waiting until the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix to gain a better understanding, due to the lack of abrasion in Monaco.