Ferrari’s recent performance dip has prompted analysis from former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, who believes the issues stem from numerous smaller problems rather than one major fix. This follows a strong start to the 2026 season, including Lewis Hamilton’s podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Upgrade Exposes Ferrari’s Weaknesses
The Miami Grand Prix saw McLaren introduce significant upgrades, resulting in a major performance boost. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, and Charles Leclerc was classified eighth after a 20-second penalty. The five-week break in April allowed teams to bring upgrades to Miami.
Steiner’s Analysis of Ferrari’s Performance
Steiner believes Ferrari is missing ‘the last little bit’. He expressed his hope that Ferrari would ‘get over that hurdle and to stay there’. Steiner also referenced John Elkann’s premature announcement that ‘Ferrari is back’, noting that the team’s performance dipped again shortly after.
Multiple Small Issues, Not One Big Fix
According to Steiner, there isn’t one specific area needing improvement, but rather ‘a lot of little things’. He elaborated that if there was one major issue, it would be easier to resolve. Steiner suggested Ferrari struggles more as the tyres degrade, which he attributes to a lack of downforce causing increased sliding.
He added: “It seems like they struggle more when the tyres get older. That’s normally down to downforce because you slide more, you use them up more.” Steiner believes the power unit is ‘pretty good’. However, he noted that Ferrari seems strong at the beginning of races but fades as the race progresses.
Steiner stated: “The power unit shouldn’t get worse over distance, so it’s one of these things I don’t really know. But they are very close again. It’s not that they are far off.”
Steiner believes there are multiple, smaller problems to be fixed at Ferrari rather than one big issue.