The Six Races That Changed Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 Season (F1 Recap)

Ferrari entered the next phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season looking to build on the encouraging progress made during the opening four rounds. While Mercedes continued to set the benchmark, the Scuderia showed clear signs of improvement as the SF 26 became increasingly competitive across different circuit layouts. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc regularly challenged near the front, with consistent points finishes keeping Ferrari firmly in the fight for both championships.

Photography: Scuderia Ferrari

Ferrari demonstrated stronger qualifying pace, improved tyre management and greater confidence in race trim. Although not every weekend went according to plan, the team secured its first victory of the season and continued to reduce the gap to the championship leaders before heading into the busy summer schedule.

Race 5: Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal

May 22 to 24. Ferrari arrived in Montreal encouraged by the progress shown in Miami and immediately looked competitive during practice as engineers focused on extracting the most from the SF 26 through the circuit's heavy braking zones and long straights. Both drivers built confidence throughout the weekend before Hamilton secured another strong qualifying result, while Leclerc also earned a place inside the top ten.

In the race, Hamilton produced one of his most complete performances of the season, managing his tyres well over the closing laps to secure second place and another podium for Ferrari. Leclerc recovered after a challenging opening stint to finish fourth, giving the Scuderia another valuable double points finish and further evidence that the team was closing the gap to Mercedes.

Race 6: Monaco Grand Prix at Circuit de Monaco

June 5 to 7. Monaco presented one of the toughest weekends of the season as Ferrari searched for the perfect balance on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Practice was largely dedicated to maximising confidence over the bumps and kerbs, while qualifying once again proved decisive around the iconic circuit. Hamilton delivered another impressive lap to secure a front row start, but Leclerc's weekend unravelled after retiring from the race before reaching the finish.

Hamilton remained in contention throughout Sunday's strategic battle and brought home second place after a measured drive that avoided mistakes on a circuit where overtaking opportunities were almost non existent. Although Leclerc's retirement limited Ferrari's overall points haul, Hamilton's podium ensured the team remained firmly in championship contention.

Race 7: Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

June 12 to 14. Ferrari continued its upward trajectory in Spain with a highly competitive weekend from the opening practice sessions. The team found an excellent balance on the fast and technical Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, allowing both drivers to challenge near the front throughout qualifying. Hamilton converted that pace into a flawless race on Sunday, delivering a controlled drive to claim his first Formula 1 victory as a Ferrari driver.

It marked a significant milestone for both Hamilton and the Scuderia, rewarding months of development and consistent progress. Leclerc's race unfortunately ended in retirement after showing promising pace earlier in the weekend, preventing Ferrari from securing an even stronger result. Even so, Hamilton's victory represented an important turning point in Ferrari's 2026 campaign and reinforced the team's growing confidence heading into the next round.

Race 8: Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring, Spielberg

June 26 to 28. Ferrari travelled to Spielberg aiming to maintain the momentum generated in Spain, but the Red Bull Ring proved to be a more difficult challenge. The team worked through several setup changes during practice to improve stability under braking and maximise traction out of the circuit's slow corners. Qualifying left both Hamilton and Leclerc with work to do on Sunday, making race strategy particularly important.

Hamilton climbed through the field with a composed and consistent drive to finish fifth, while Leclerc also recovered well to secure eighth place despite spending much of the afternoon battling in the midfield. Although Ferrari was unable to challenge for the podium, another double points finish ensured the team continued to score consistently in both championships.

Race 9: British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit

July 3 to 5. Ferrari enjoyed one of its strongest weekends of the season at Silverstone, where both drivers showed competitive pace from the opening practice sessions. Hamilton delighted the home crowd by qualifying near the front, while Leclerc also looked comfortable as Ferrari demonstrated excellent balance through Silverstone's high speed corners.

Sunday's race produced another memorable result for the Scuderia as Leclerc drove superbly to claim his first victory of the season after controlling the race from the front during the closing stages. Hamilton completed an outstanding weekend by securing third place, giving Ferrari its first double podium of the campaign. The result marked another significant step forward for the team and confirmed that the SF 26 could compete for victories on a wide variety of circuits.

Race 10: Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps

July 17 to 19. Ferrari arrived at Spa Francorchamps looking to carry its strong form into one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Mixed weather conditions throughout the weekend created additional challenges, with the team adapting well as track conditions evolved across practice and qualifying. Ferrari remained firmly in contention throughout Sunday's race, where strategy and tyre management played an important role.

Leclerc delivered another composed performance to finish second after running near the front throughout the afternoon, while Hamilton added valuable points with fourth place following a determined recovery drive. Although victory narrowly escaped Ferrari, another strong double points finish ensured the Scuderia headed into the next phase of the season with growing momentum and confidence.

Scuderia Ferrari results

With ten races completed, Ferrari has firmly established itself as Mercedes' closest challenger in the Constructors' Championship. Hamilton's breakthrough victory in Spain and Leclerc's success at Silverstone highlighted the progress made by the SF 26, while consistent points finishes across every race weekend have kept the Scuderia firmly in the championship fight. As Formula 1 heads into the second half of the 2026 season, Ferrari will be looking to build on its recent momentum and continue closing the gap at the top of both championships.

Drivers' Championship standings

Constructors' Championship standings

What was your favourite race from the second part of the 2026 Formula 1 season?

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