Ralf Schumacher thinks Ferrari are becoming increasingly confident they can beat Mercedes this year

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As Ferrari try to improve their car to compete with Mercedes, their early success in 2026 has given them a much-needed boost in confidence.

Ferrari haven’t managed to topple Mercedes so far this season, despite coming close with their consecutive third and fourth place finishes in Melbourne and Shanghai.

On top of that, Ferrari are doing a lot of work behind the scenes to improve the car. Ferrari are now confident in their new Macarena wing and its ability to make a real difference for them this weekend.

Ralf Schumacher thinks Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are not ‘the best of friends’

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The political game over rule changes has already begun this season, with Ferrari lobbying against a change to race start rules that their rivals are aggressively pushing for.

But as they look to make the right changes to put pressure on Mercedes, Ralf Schumacher believes they are gaining confidence in their ability to do so.

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Ralf Schumacher believes Ferrari know what direction they must go in to beat Mercedes

Ralf Schumacher addressed Ferrari’s chances of catching up with and eventually beating Mercedes during the latest episode of Backstage Boxengasse.

Schumacher claimed that Ferrari now know how to improve their speed, efficiency, and race execution over the coming weeks to decisively defeat Mercedes in future races.

“I almost get the feeling that Ferrari doesn’t have the disadvantage of the battery. So, it changes just as well, if not even a touch better…

“In terms of speed, it’s definitely much closer in the race. Mercedes will have to be careful if this upgrade actually works. One thing is clear: lessons have been learned.

“I believe Ferrari now knows which direction they definitely need to go and develop in. Therefore, the season is far from over. I believe efficiency is something Ferrari can still improve. Then maybe, this Macarena wing will come along, which will work and is actually a brilliant idea…

“With Ferrari, the mechanical grip has always been very good. It could also be observed here that the Ferraris already created some breathing room during acceleration, as compared to the Mercedes in the race.

“So this will benefit an exciting fight, provided the Ferraris don’t constantly get in each other’s way and fight amongst themselves.”

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Ralf Schumacher hints Charles Leclerc isn’t happy with Lewis Hamilton competition

Speaking further about Ferrari’s success, Schumacher suggested that seeing Lewis Hamilton best him definitely didn’t sit right with Charles Leclerc.

“A big compliment to Lewis Hamilton, who was strong again, extremely strong. I hope it doesn’t turn out like China last year. I believe it will continue to be like that, simply because his driving style suits this car.”

“There was a sense of surprise from Charles Leclerc, who said on the radio to let him through as he was faster, but then slowed down again.”

“I also think he just experienced a weekend where he was beaten by Lewis Hamilton shortly before the end of qualifying and in the race. So that is sure to gnaw at him, because you get the feeling that two don’t quite harmonise.”

Leclerc publicly praised his battle with Hamilton, even if he did express his disappointment in the fact that he didn’t come out on top.

But if what Schumacher is saying has any truth to it, Ferrari might find themselves in a complicated situation with both their drivers consistently trying to outdo each other.