The Race F1 Podcast Race wins or a title charge? How high will Ferrari fly in 2026?
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Mar 18, 2026 
Josh Suttill, F1 reporter and analyst on team development and strategy. Scott Mitchell-Malm, seasoned F1 journalist with technical and tactical expertise. They debate Ferrari’s chassis strengths, likely tracks for success, race-winning chances this season, development and regulation impacts, energy and battery strategy, and how early results can mislead the pecking order.
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Ferrari's Chassis May Already Match Mercedes
- Ferrari's car looks at least as good as Mercedes in chassis terms despite an engine deficit.
- Scott Mitchell-Malm points to Ferrari's nimble front-end, strong tyre switch and raceability shown in China and Australia.
Engine Gap Likely Explains Ferrari Pace Shortfall
- Ferrari appears to be hampered mainly by engine power rather than chassis handling.
- Josh Suttill relays Fred Vasseur's suggestion Ferrari might be ~2% down on Mercedes on the ICE index, implying chassis strength.
Bank On Opportunistic Race Wins Instead Of Season Dominance
- Don't assume Mercedes dominance means Ferrari won't win races; aim for opportunistic strategies.
- Edd Straw argues Ferrari only needs the right circuit, safety-car or restart timing and consistent second-best pace to take a victory.