Ferrari advancing innovation while benefiting from an initial lead over Mercedes.

      "We were planning to update the car for Bahrain."

      Ferrari may have positioned itself as the clear second force behind the dominant Mercedes during the initial weeks of the 2026 Formula 1 season, but the team from Maranello refuses to remain idle. After two races, the Italian team seems to be comfortably ahead of traditional rivals McLaren and Red Bull, yet it still lacks the outright speed of the Mercedes-powered front runners.

      Ferrari's strategy involves a consistent flow of technical advancements. This year, the team has unveiled several striking innovations, including the so-called ‘Macarena’ rear wing design, a small aerodynamic element near the rain light and exhaust, as well as excellent race starts from the grid. During practice in Shanghai, Ferrari tested small aerodynamic wings at the base of the halo, although this idea has since been abandoned due to concerns about a potential political backlash from rival teams regarding its legality. Nevertheless, the team continues to aggressively pursue development.

      Team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed that a significant upgrade package is in the works and will be assessed during a filming day at Monza ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. "We were planning to update the car for Bahrain, but we’re now compelled to delay it until Miami - it will now be in the fourth round," he stated.

      With the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the longer interval between rounds has altered Ferrari's development timeline. "The extended break between races allows us to prepare additional solutions for Miami, even if it ends up being an 'update and a half,'" Vasseur noted. "The work schedule was established ahead of time, but we will modify it as necessary."

      Vasseur acknowledges that Mercedes currently possesses a considerable advantage, especially in engine performance. "I want us to be faster. We recognize that there is a performance gap, particularly on the straights, that we need to address," he remarked. The Ferrari chief believes that an anticipated technical directive regarding checks on engine compression ratios may not significantly alter the competitive landscape. "We don’t foresee a considerable impact from the technical directive related to compression," Vasseur explained. "However, at some point, the ADUO will be implemented, and that will provide us an opportunity to close the gap."

      Still, he emphasizes that Ferrari's focus extends beyond just engine power. "We shouldn’t concentrate on one single aspect - we must enhance all areas of the car," stated Vasseur. "We need to improve the tyres, aerodynamics, chassis, suspension—everything. We’re ahead of McLaren and Red Bull, but they will also make progress."

      Vasseur is firmly against any further rule changes that aim to address the unusual race start behavior seen throughout the grid this year, an area where Ferrari currently excels. "When I raised my hand a year ago and warned everyone about potential issues, they told me that all teams should design their cars according to the existing regulations," he recalled. "That’s exactly what we did. Since then, the rules have already been amended with an extra five seconds and blue lights at the start, which did not benefit us. I believe that’s enough. For us, this matter is settled."

      Meanwhile, Ferrari is expected to utilize the ‘Macarena’ rear wing in Japan after having set it aside following practice sessions in Shanghai.