Jean Alesi Declares 2026 Challenger a ‘Real’ Ferrari as Team Chases Mercedes in Development Race

Jean Alesi is "very satisfied" with Ferrari’s 2026 start, backing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to challenge Mercedes as the development race heats up.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 11:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1.com

A Return to Form for the Maranello Squad

Jean Alesi, a perennial fan favorite among the Tifosi, has signaled a shift in his often-criticized optimism regarding Ferrari’s title hopes. After admitting to previous "catastrophic" misjudgments about the team’s progress, the Frenchman insists that the 2026 challenger represents a fundamental return to elite engineering. Ferrari’s strong start is backed by three podium finishes in as many races, establishing the team as the clear "best of the rest" behind a resurgent Mercedes. Alesi noted that he is "very impressed" with the baseline of the car, which appears to have solved many of the aerodynamic instabilities that plagued previous iterations.

The Tactical Battle Against Mercedes Dominance

Despite the internal optimism, the on-track reality reveals a significant performance gap between the Ferrari power unit and the Mercedes W17. While the Ferrari is rumored to possess a smaller, more responsive turbocharger that allows for superior launches and low-speed acceleration, it struggles to maintain pace once Mercedes enters the one-second DRS window. Mercedes has utilized this straight-line advantage to sweep all three Grands Prix and the opening Sprint in China. For Ferrari to close the 45-point gap in the standings, they must find a way to neutralize the Silver Arrows’ high-speed efficiency.

Defending Hamilton’s Legacy Amid Italian Criticism

Alesi has used his platform to push back against the Italian media’s recent critiques of Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion, who secured his first podium in Ferrari red at the Chinese Grand Prix, currently trails his teammate Charles Leclerc and both Mercedes drivers in the standings. Alesi argued that such criticism is unjustified given Hamilton’s role in the long-term development of the 2026 project. He remains confident that Hamilton’s experience will be a decisive factor as the season matures, noting that the Briton has consistently shown he is "there" when it matters most, specifically citing his performances in Melbourne and Shanghai.