After the Japanese GP, the five-week break in the 2026 Formula 1 season calendar is already being used by teams for adjustments and performance evolution. The unexpected interruption occurs after the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races due to increased tensions in the Middle East.
Read more F1: Leclerc was surprised by McLaren’s strong pace in Japan
At Ferrari, the focus is on improving the car’s overall competitiveness. Team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted that the moment is important for correcting flaws identified in the first three races: “For sure, we have a lot of work to do, like everyone in the paddock. It’s the start of the car’s homologation, which means we have many things to improve. Now, after three races, we have good data to understand the car’s competitiveness, where we are good and where we are not. Performance comes from everywhere, but we need to take a step forward in all areas,” he said.
Despite the podiums achieved in the first three races with the SF-26, the team identified a relevant problem: the drop in performance in Lewis Hamilton’s car during the Japanese GP. In Suzuka, the seven-time champion finished only in sixth place, while Charles Leclerc reached the podium in third place. The Briton even assessed that the car was “weak”.
Read more F1: Norris says it’s a «shame» Piastri lost the win at the Japanese GP
Vasseur emphasized that the challenge is common to all teams at this stage of the season. And that the extra time is an opportunity to evolve: “This is true for us, but it will also be true for everyone on the grid. It’s more about doing a better job than the others and progressing,” he concluded.
Read more F1: Red Bull experiences worst start to the season since 2015
