Stella: Ferrari Now Has F1's Best Chassis After Hamilton's Barcelona Win

Lewis Hamilton's Barcelona victory gave Ferrari its first win with the seven-time champion and prompted McLaren boss Andrea Stella to declare that the Scuderia now fields the best chassis in Formula 1. Stella believes the Spanish Grand Prix provided clear evidence that the upgraded SF-26 dominates through medium-speed corners, even if Mercedes retains the strongest overall package when chassis and power unit are combined.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's dramatic step forward has reshaped the competitive order at a critical season juncture. With Hamilton finding his footing and the team unlocking genuine cornering pace, Maranello has emerged as a credible threat to Mercedes' early dominance. For McLaren, Stella's assessment confirms that the development race is intensifying just as the championship fight enters a decisive phase, with three teams separated by razor-thin margins.

The details:

• Ferrari's upgrades: The SF-26 arrived in Barcelona with the grid's most extensive update, including a revised front wing, nose assembly, floor redesign, diffuser tweaks, and new sidepod bodywork aimed at extracting more downforce while improving aerodynamic balance.
• Hamilton's win: After qualifying second for his first Ferrari front-row start, Hamilton defeated George Russell's Mercedes on Sunday. Team principal Fred Vasseur suggested Hamilton had enough pace to win even without the Virtual Safety Car intervention that minimized time loss during his final pit stop.
• Stella's verdict: The McLaren boss identified Ferrari as the fastest car in medium-speed corners, particularly through Barcelona's demanding second sector, while acknowledging Mercedes still holds an edge when straight-line speed and engine performance are factored in.
• McLaren's gaps: Stella admitted his team remains competitive in high-speed corners but lacks grip in medium and low-speed sections. He also highlighted the need to improve qualifying preparation and reduce tire degradation over a stint.
• Mercedes' edge: Despite Ferrari's cornering supremacy, Stella maintains that Mercedes possesses the best single-lap package overall, thanks to its superior power unit complementing a strong chassis.

What's next:

The championship shifts to Austria in two weeks, where Stella expects Ferrari's cornering strength to remain a factor despite the Red Bull Ring's different characteristics. McLaren plans to introduce further upgrades to address aerodynamic grip deficits and tire management issues, though Stella emphasized that the team is focused on its own development trajectory rather than reacting directly to rivals. With Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren all running so close, the coming rounds will test which team can sustain its upgrade momentum through the heart of the season.