Ferrari arrives at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, taking place this weekend, under pressure after missing the podium in the last two races, but James Hinchcliffe believes the team can bounce back in Monza. For the former IndyCar driver, the Italian team’s history at the circuit and power unit advancements are reasons to bet on a recovery.
Read more F1: Hamilton arrives in Monza with newly restored Ferrari F40
“Well, it’s interesting, isn’t it? Because they were competitive on tracks where maybe we didn’t expect them to be, and vice versa, maybe a bit off the pace on some tracks where we thought they’d be well up front. I think of Silverstone and even Spa. They were decent, and you’re going to Monza, a high-power track. They seem to have found something in that department.”
Ferrari traditionally prepares a specific upgrade package for its home race, considered the most important and high-pressure weekend of the season for the Maranello team. This year, the team has already revealed a special design inspired by seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and will also bring its second engine upgrade, aiming to catch Mercedes.
Hinchcliffe also highlighted the difficulty in predicting the team’s performance in 2026. Ferrari has been competitive on tracks where it was expected to struggle and disappointing on circuits where it should dominate. “They always seem to have something special there, don’t they? I mean, they’re usually competitive. Even in seasons when they’re not so competitive elsewhere, they seem to focus.”
Read more Check the schedule and where to watch the Italy round of F3 on streaming
“It’s like they build the car around Monza, and then, okay, we’ll sort out the rest on the way. So, I mean, cautiously optimistic for the Tifosi that they can have a strong weekend. Again, they didn’t qualify particularly well at Spa, if I remember correctly, but they were decent in the race,” Hinchcliffe concluded.
Ferrari is second in the constructors’ championship with 183 points, while Mercedes leads with 242. Lewis Hamilton is third in the drivers’ championship, 59 points behind Kimi Antonelli and tied with George Russell. Further back is Charles Leclerc, in fifth, with 155 points accumulated so far.
Read more F2: See the schedule and where to watch the Italy stage on TV and streaming
