Formula 1 analyst Peter Windsor has stated that Ferrari is currently unable to challenge Mercedes for the 2026 Constructors’ Championship. Windsor believes no team is presently operating at the same level as Mercedes.
Mercedes holds a significant lead in the Constructors’ standings with 333 points, while Ferrari sits in second place with 255 points. McLaren is further back in third with 179 points.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Mercedes drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell occupy the top two positions. Antonelli leads with 179 points, followed by Russell with 154 points.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton is third with 147 points, and Charles Leclerc is fourth with 108 points. Windsor rated Mercedes’ season performance as a ‘nine’ out of ten, compared to Ferrari’s ‘seven’.
Mercedes’ advantage extends beyond its power unit, encompassing chassis performance and superior energy deployment. The team has also adopted a strategy of consistent, smaller updates to maintain its competitive edge.
Hywel Thomas, Mercedes’ High Performance Powertrains boss, indicated a natural advantage for works teams at the start of the new F1 regulations.
Ferrari has faced persistent issues, particularly a deficit in straight-line speed, despite strong cornering performance. Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged this weakness earlier in the season.
An extensive upgrade package introduced by Ferrari in Miami in May 2026 reportedly underdelivered. This was attributed to a power unit deficit, software issues with energy deployment, and ongoing tyre management problems.
Reports suggest Ferrari’s power unit is 20 to 30 horsepower down on the straights, with battery drainage and software bugs limiting deployment.
Despite these power unit challenges, Ferrari’s chassis is considered by some to be among the best on the grid. However, tyre wear remains a consistent concern for the team.
The Scuderia had prioritised the 2026 regulations, abandoning development of their 2025 car early to focus on the current season’s design.
At the recent British Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc secured a victory. However, Kimi Antonelli finished outside the points, reducing his championship lead over teammate George Russell, who took a podium finish.
‘No one’s near the Mercedes at the moment,’ Windsor stated, despite ‘increments of improvements’ from other teams. He noted the Ferrari engine’s strength at Silverstone but its overall power deficit compared to Mercedes and Red Bull.
