Ferrari has taken strides in engine reliability and is shifting its focus towards improving performance after a successful set of pre-season tests, during which their engine demonstrated consistent performance over the equivalent of 14 races. The team’s principal, Frédéric Vasseur, expressed satisfaction with the lack of attention from rivals, suggesting that this low profile could play to their advantage as the competition begins. Ferrari is keen to exploit a newfound advantage in turbo performance, emphasizing the importance of the engine's output for race starts.

The team completed their pre-season testing with three additional days following their initial trials conducted in Barcelona and Bahrain. Throughout these sessions, Ferrari evaluated their position relative to competitors, who are also fine-tuning their strategies or concealing performance gains. The paddock remains rife with speculation, as experts rank the 11 teams based on observed performances thus far. While Red Bull, paired with Ford, is cited for its powerful engine and Mercedes for its dominant race pace, Ferrari remains optimistic about their potential to surprise.

With the 2026 season approaching, Ferrari’s team leadership is elevating confidence in their machinery, noting the importance of performance advances ahead of what promises to be a competitive season. The team's efforts to enhance turbo performance could be pivotal during races, especially at key moments like race starts, where immediate power delivery is crucial. This focus not only reflects Ferrari's intent to reclaim their position among the top teams but also highlights the shifting dynamics in F1, where innovation and engineering excellence are paramount.