By: The 2026 Formula 1 season has proved full of surprises. In recent weeks, the Scuderia from Maranello has come under heavy criticism for its results, decisions made at the track and the way it manages its drivers — who, it is worth remembering, would not be easy for any team to manage. We are talking about two elite, first-choice drivers.
There are many areas to improve, but others deserve praise. It may be difficult to remember now, but on the eve of the championship there were not many expectations surrounding the likely performance of the SF-26. For once, however, we were pleased to see those expectations disproved.
Ferrari: all eyes on the mistakes, while the positives go unnoticed
The Maranello team did not have a package capable of fighting for the world championship, but it had everything required to be the second-best team. It claimed that status decisively, while also introducing several innovative solutions, such as the ‘Macarena’ and FTM, for example. The Italian team showed that it could develop the car at a frenetic pace, often achieving good results that nevertheless went unnoticed.
As the weekend before the final triple-header of the season arrives, there is much talk of Antonelli, the 20-year-old driver who brought the world championship back to Italy after 73 years; of a Mercedes team that are champions again; of the progress made by McLaren and, above all, Red Bull. Yet Ferrari’s season is not being given its due weight.
Make no mistake, we are the first to do it. It seems that any pretext is enough to attack Ferrari, but it is often done in the hope of provoking a reaction. After all, taking what happened in Brazil as an example, it was not only last Sunday that we discovered the SF-26 has tyre-management problems.
Consistency, determination and commitment
From time to time, Ferrari should also be given credit for its achievements. The world championship standings show Antonelli as champion, with five drivers fighting for second place. Five drivers, three of whom come from different teams. Only two are team-mates: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc is fifth on 249 points, with six podiums, one win and three retirements; Hamilton is fourth on 261 points, with seven podiums, one win and one retirement to his name. These results are a symbol of how closely matched Charles and Lewis have been in performance terms, and of how few mistakes they have made compared with their rivals — although they have made one or two major ones. It is a symbol of remarkable consistency.
Apparently, though, none of that is enough when you are driving a Ferrari. Everyone wants to see something more. As if they are looking for something beyond the result. As if they need a touch of magic that would allow everyone to witness what now seems like a miracle: seeing Ferrari crowned world champions.
That is indeed the case. Every fan hopes to see the flags bearing the Prancing Horse flying again in Maranello. Far too many years have passed since it last happened, and people cannot wait to celebrate the team’s successes once more.
Cover photo by Finlay Williams / WHYOUT images
Interior photo by Finlay Williams / WHYOUT images
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