Ferrari set to give Lewis Hamilton a ‘monster’ to beat Mercedes
Ferrari are preparing a major statement ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, with reports suggesting the Italian giants are ready to unleash a heavily upgraded car aimed at closing the gap to Mercedes—and giving Lewis Hamilton the weapon he needs to fight at the very front.
After a steady start to the 2026 season, Ferrari have emerged as the second-fastest team on the grid, consistently finishing on the podium across the opening races. The Scuderia currently sit firmly in contention in the constructors’ standings, with Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc running near the top of the drivers’ championship.
However, despite that encouraging form, Ferrari know they are still chasing the benchmark set by Mercedes. The German outfit has dominated early races thanks to superior straight-line speed and power unit efficiency—an advantage Hamilton himself has openly acknowledged since joining Ferrari.
Now, Ferrari’s response appears to be bold.
According to reports from Italy, the team is set to introduce a significantly revised version of their 2026 challenger, the SF-26, with upgrades targeting the very weaknesses that have held them back so far. The focus is expected to be on improving straight-line performance, energy deployment, and overall efficiency—areas where Mercedes have enjoyed a clear edge.
The move signals Ferrari’s determination to avoid another winless campaign and fully capitalize on their promising start. With Hamilton already back on the podium and showing signs of rediscovering his peak form, the timing of these upgrades could be crucial in shaping the title fight.
For Hamilton, the stakes are particularly high. The seven-time world champion made the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in pursuit of a new challenge—and a potential eighth title. Now, he may finally have the machinery to go head-to-head with his former team.
Mercedes, led by drivers like George Russell, have set the pace early in 2026, but Ferrari’s upcoming upgrade could dramatically shift the competitive order. If the new package delivers as expected, the balance of power in Formula 1 may be about to change.
All eyes will now turn to Miami, where Ferrari’s “monster” upgrade is expected to debut—and where Hamilton could begin his most serious title charge in years.