The contrast between the Scuderia Ferrari of 2025 and the team arriving at Suzuka in 2026 is nothing short of a cultural shift. Last year, the narrative in Maranello was one of “unsteady” ground—a season plagued by a “turbulent” transition, a car that Lewis Hamilton once described as “useless,” and a palpable lack of synchronization between the drivers and their machinery.
Fast forward to the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, and while Mercedes still holds the top step, the internal atmosphere at Ferrari has been transformed from “disconsolate” to “determined.”
Charles Leclerc: From Scepticism to Strategy
Charles Leclerc entered this new regulatory era as a self-proclaimed sceptic, but his outlook has shifted following back-to-back podium-contending performances. Last year, the SF-25 often left Leclerc fighting the car more than his rivals; this year, he describes the SF-26 as a “solid starting point” with a chassis that he considers a genuine strength.
Speaking at the FIA press conference in Suzuka, Leclerc admitted that while the raw power gap to Mercedes remains, his confidence in the car’s “drivability” is what makes the difference. He isn’t dwelling on a P6 starting position or the “yo-yo” energy management of the new power units. Instead, he’s focused on the hunt: “We are in much better shape than last year… we must do everything well to grab any opportunity that comes our way.”
Lewis Hamilton: The Reset of a Seven-Time Champion
The most striking change, however, is the “refreshed” mindset of Lewis Hamilton. After a 2025 season where he admitted he “forgot who he was” and famously apologized over the radio for a lack of pace at this very track, Hamilton has undergone a total mental and physical overhaul.
Fresh off his first Ferrari podium in Shanghai, Hamilton arrives in Japan declaring that he has “dedicated absolutely everything” to this challenge. Gone is the driver who wanted to “unplug from the matrix” out of frustration. In his place is a 41-year-old veteran who claims to be training harder than anyone else on the grid. For Hamilton, it isn’t about the deficit to the leaders; it’s about the “inspiring” effort of the team and a car he finally feels part of. “I know what needs to be done,” he posted recently. “For a moment, I forgot who I was… you’re not going to see that mindset again.”
The Verdict: A Unified Front
Last year, the internal battle at Ferrari was often about survival and adaptation. This year, the “egoist” drive has returned, but it’s anchored by a newfound trust in the technical direction of the team. Whether it’s Leclerc praising the car’s balance through the technical sectors or Hamilton finding his “best form” since 2021, the message from the Ferrari media centre is clear: they may not be the fastest yet, but they are no longer unsteady.
As they head into the 53 laps of Suzuka—a track that rewards driver commitment above all else—both drivers aren’t just looking at the telemetry; they’re looking at the podium.
