Hamilton Sets Ferrari Target to Close Mercedes Gap
He says straight-line speed must improve to convert Ferrari’s early promise into wins.
Overview
- Mercedes has opened the season with three poles and three victories, underscoring the W17’s pace advantage.
- Lewis Hamilton pinpointed straight-line performance as Ferrari’s priority after evaluating the SF-26’s strengths through corners.
- Hamilton scored his first Ferrari podium at the Chinese Grand Prix, achieving the milestone on his 26th start for the team.
- George Russell pulled 19.7 seconds clear of third-placed Hamilton over the second half of the Shanghai race, highlighting the current deficit.
- Ferrari’s next major upgrade is not expected before the Miami Grand Prix in May due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds.