Hamilton led the first two sessions, but Verstappen found the decisive lap. Leclerc missed Singapore pole by just 0.054 seconds as Ferrari qualified second and third.

His latest podium showed what Ferrari can do. His assessment afterward exposed what still stands in its way.

Lewis Hamilton fell from second to 18th after Ferrari’s slick-tire gamble failed. Safety Cars opened the door, and a late pass on Isack Hadjar secured third at Sepang.

Leclerc topped FP2 at Sepang, but Hadjar’s imperfect lap and Verstappen’s pace on medium tires left him watching Red Bull closely.

Christian Horner’s Ferrari comments stirred the speculation. Ferrari’s response was clear: it backs Fred Vasseur. Now the focus turns to results at Sepang.

Ferrari’s second power-unit upgrade of 2026 is now in play at Monza, where Lewis Hamilton can move clear of Michael Schumacher with a record sixth Italian Grand Prix victory.

Ferrari’s exhaust and rotating-wing concepts are appearing across the grid, but Frédéric Vasseur says the SF-26 development push will continue through the season.

Seven stars. One legacy. Ferrari will honor Michael Schumacher at Monza, 30 years after the seven-time champion joined the Scuderia.

Lewis Hamilton has taken responsibility for his frustrated Ferrari radio and television comments after finishing fourth at Zandvoort, saying he expects better from himself.