Ferrari’s relentless development push could make it the quickest car on the grid by season’s end, ex‑driver Jolyon Palmer insists.
Palmer Spots Strong Signs of Progress at Ferrari
Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast before the Austrian Grand Prix, Palmer highlighted the team’s “innovative” start‑to‑year upgrades, noting the ADUO power‑unit technology that may give them an edge over Mercedes.
The Old‑Red‑O’s recent triumph, Lewis Hamilton’s first as a Ferrari with a win at Catalunya, demonstrates the crew’s growing threat to the Mercedes brawn.
“If they sort the power‑unit further, they could very well end up fastest,” Palmer theorised, citing continuous improvements as a key factor.
Ferrari Upsets the Machine at Catalunya
After a dominant beginning to the 2026 season, Mercedes secured the first six wins, leaving Ferraris searching for a breakthrough.
Hamilton’s victory ended Mercedes’ run, dropping the seven‑time champion from the top spot and elevating him to third place in the championship, 41 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli and nine points ahead of George Russell.
His win also saw Russell receive multiple penalties that knocked him out of the points at Monaco.
Ferrari’s driver is now two positions behind the leader, yet still within striking distance of Russell with the season’s runway long enough for further battles.
Hamilton Confirms Ferrari’s Determined Course
In Austria, Hamilton admitted the contest appears attainable but acknowledged that continued development is crucial.
“We can hit development plateaus but must use each day to push forward,” he told reporters.
He praised the team’s “north star” approach, which he said was missing the previous year, and lauded the new engine’s incremental gains.
“Mercedes are still the team to beat, but a gap can be closed if everyone doubles down,” Hamilton conceded, noting the battle for team supremacy will shape the season’s outcome.
Should Ferrari’s upgrades maintain momentum, the Red Bull-mad world of Formula One may soon see a demanding challenge to the Mercedes dominion.
Photo by: Clive Mason / Getty Images
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