Hamilton credited with Ferrari turnaround as Leclerc demands SF-26 investigation

Lewis Hamilton's Barcelona victory has spotlighted his influence on Ferrari's SF-26, yet teammate Charles Leclerc is calling for answers over the car's inconsistent form. Off the track, Max Verstappen's future and looming engine upgrades threaten to reshape the grid.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's return to the top step signals a power shift at Ferrari, where his experience is steering development. Leclerc's frustration over erratic performance risks undermining title ambitions. Meanwhile, Verstappen's contract uncertainty and fresh upgrades promise to reshape the order after the summer break.

The details:

• Hamilton's impact: Damon Hill believes Hamilton helped shape the improved SF-26 and called his comeback inevitable, praising his influence on the team's direction.
• Leclerc's concerns: Leclerc wants an investigation into the SF-26's baffling inconsistency, which has seen the car overperform in some sessions while struggling in others.
• Verstappen's future: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed he has spoken with Verstappen about 2027, fueling speculation the reigning champion could leave Red Bull.
• Honda's B-spec boost: Honda will debut its upgraded engine with Aston Martin at the Dutch Grand Prix after hitting critical targets, with reports pointing to a significant power gain.
• Mercedes upgrades: Mercedes has promised major W17 gains after the summer break following a quiet first half.

What's next:

Ferrari faces pressure to maintain Hamilton's winning form while solving the SF-26's erratic behavior. Verstappen's contract saga will dominate headlines, and the Dutch GP will serve as the first real test of Honda's B-spec engine and Mercedes' promised upgrades.