May 21 (GMM) Vitantonio Liuzzi admits he is pessimistic about Ferrari’s title hopes despite growing belief the team’s updated chassis may now be among the strongest on the grid.
After Miami, Ferrari appeared to slip behind both McLaren and Red Bull again, even though the Italian team introduced an extensive new aerodynamic package centred around its much-discussed ‘Macarena’ rear wing.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport technical analyst Paolo Filisetti, the upcoming Montreal weekend will be the first true benchmark for evaluating whether Ferrari’s development direction is actually working.
“Ferrari introduced a comprehensive aerodynamic upgrade package in Miami, comprising eleven distinct elements,” Filisetti wrote.
However, he said Miami failed to provide clear answers because the circuit heavily exposed Ferrari’s engine deficit relative to Mercedes.
“The objective data has once again highlighted the limitations of the current version of Maranello’s power unit,” Filisetti explained.
“In the paddock, there’s a shared opinion that the SF-26 is an extremely capable car in terms of chassis and aerodynamics, but it’s currently hampered by performance that isn’t up to par with the best in terms of engine performance.”
Filisetti believes Mercedes could struggle to exploit its normally superior energy-management strategies as aggressively as on previous circuits.
He added that Ferrari has worked extensively on revised energy-management modes following the Miami regulation tweaks.
“According to rumours, the simulations have yielded very positive results,” Filisetti said.
Former Toro Rosso and Red Bull driver Liuzzi is less convinced Ferrari can sustain a championship challenge.
“I hope so,” he said when asked if Ferrari can still fight for the title.
“But I’m not very optimistic, unfortunately, because over the past few years, we’ve become accustomed to the car’s development during the season being a little slower than that of our competitors.”
“Ferrari is always close, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to secure the title. But I hope I’m wrong and we’ll see Ferrari in contention in the second half of the championship.”
Meanwhile Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confirmed the Brackley based team will finally introduce its first major upgrade package of the season in Canada after rivals unveiled their developments in Miami.
“Our competitors took a step forward in Miami and we need to respond,” Wolff said.
“Seven Grands Prix in 10 weekends before shutdown is an opportunity to do that and build momentum.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES