Ferrari started the 2026 Formula 1 season with consistent results, but this is still far from exciting everyone. The team’s former president, Luca di Montezemolo, stated that a few podiums are not enough and demanded a car capable of fighting for the title.
Read more F1: Wolff admits surprise with Antonelli’s consecutive victories
After a disappointing 2025, the Maranello team showed evolution in the first races of the season, with three consecutive podiums. Still, the performance was not enough to significantly reduce the gap to Mercedes, which remains the benchmark and seems to be on another level.
Montezemolo highlighted that he saw positive points at the start of the championship, but made it clear that competitiveness is still lacking to fight for the lead: “I saw a good car in the first three races, reliable and consistent, but it doesn’t look like a car capable of winning the championship,” he stated during an appearance on the program La politica nel pallone.
The former executive also pointed out areas that need evolution for Ferrari to return to competing for titles: “It lacks power, it lacks energy. It will be crucial to see how the team manages to develop it,” he stated, reinforcing that technical progress will be decisive throughout the season.
Read more F1: Tsunoda speaks of «hardest season of his life» in 2025 after Japan
Despite the consistent start, Ferrari is still betting on updates to close the gap to Mercedes, especially with the development of the ADUO system and other planned improvements. The goal is to bring the performance closer to the W17 car and, eventually, return to direct competition for the championship, even if that still seems distant at the moment.
Montezemolo also highlighted that, after so many years without a title, just good occasional results are not enough: “After so many years, it is not enough to win a few races or get excited about a podium, you have to win the championship,” he added.
The Italian believes that the break period in April before the Miami stage will be decisive for the course of the season: “In Miami, a new championship will begin for everyone. There is a month to work, and I hope Ferrari has the capacity and strength to develop the car,” concluded Montezemolo, indicating that the coming weeks could be crucial for the team’s future in 2026.
Read more F1: Haas boss says it is necessary to weigh the situation before 2026 changes
