Suzuka, Japan – The Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session saw Ferrari trailing Mercedes, and further challenged by a rapidly improving McLaren. Whereas the SF-26 demonstrated its inherent chassis and aerodynamic strengths, a power unit deficit remains a key area for improvement. Ferrari showed promising potential, particularly in Q2, but struggled to maximize performance in Q3. Team Principal Frederic Vasseur analyzed the limitations revealed during qualifying, emphasizing that energy management and extracting maximum performance from the car remain crucial, while immediately shifting focus to Sunday’s race.
Ferrari Confirms Potential, But Q3 Remains a Challenge
Vasseur highlighted that Ferrari’s performance isn’t solely dependent on outright speed, but similarly on the team’s ability to optimize the entire package. “If we look at today’s qualifying, it’s not just a question of energy management or pure performance, it’s also about how to extract the best from the car we have,” Vasseur stated. “We did better in Q2 than in Q3, and that’s what we need to understand tonight.”
Despite the qualifying struggles, the priority remains the race. “We must concentrate on tomorrow’s race, given that the race is on Sunday, not Saturday,” Vasseur emphasized. “Let’s focus on the start and then have a good race with a good strategy.”
Analyzing the performance of Lewis Hamilton, Vasseur acknowledged the Briton’s difficulties after a strong start to the season. He attributed this to the complexities of the current regulations. “A lot of it comes down to energy management: not delivering too much in some corners and not going on the throttle too early. Sometimes it’s counterintuitive, but that’s the regulation and we have to adapt. We reach a certain point in qualifying and that means we need to do better in the future to put together the best lap in Q3.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, Vasseur reiterated Ferrari’s ambition to win. “When you’re on the grid, you always want to get the best.” The SF-26 has demonstrated strength in starts and with a full fuel load. “With this regulation, the start is always a bit chaotic. In previous races, it has allowed us to produce up ground and fight with Mercedes, although not for too long. When we lose the overtake mode, it becomes more difficult.” However, the signals regarding race pace are encouraging. “The race pace yesterday seemed quite good. We’ll spot tomorrow.”
Looking Back at Mercedes’ Wing and Forward to Future Development
Vasseur provided an assessment of the season so far, describing it as positive but not entirely satisfactory. “Yes and no. No, because the goal is to get on the podium and win races. We have a performance deficit compared to Mercedes, and that’s clear. We’re not too far off and we’re scoring a lot of points.”
Vasseur clarified the team’s plan: to maximize points available while continuing development. “We have to score the maximum number of points possible every weekend, continuing to do a good job with development,” he said. “From Miami, there will probably be another championship.” This timeline suggests significant upgrades are anticipated for the Miami Grand Prix, marking a potential turning point in the season.
Inevitably, the discussion turned to the controversial front wing design of the Mercedes. Ferrari had already sought clarification on the design, but Vasseur explained why the team didn’t immediately lodge a protest. “We didn’t see it live, only during our analysis, and there wasn’t time to protest. But I don’t want to create controversy and just want to focus on our team.”
The Formula 1 season continues to unfold with Ferrari aiming to close the gap to Mercedes and McLaren. The next race, the Miami Grand Prix, promises to be a pivotal moment as teams bring further developments to the track. The battle for supremacy in 2026 is far from over.
