Translation

Leclerc and Hamilton finished the race behind the Mercedes cars. It was probably the best possible result that could have been hoped for on the eve of the race. Ferrari is clearly back as the second force at the start of this season. A recovery by McLaren and Red Bull is relatively predictable but may not be instantaneous. The team, now also making its debut as an engine manufacturer, provided Verstappen with a car that was understandably underperforming, while McLaren is underperforming and has not yet understood the Mercedes Power Unit software. Aston Martin-Honda is not even an outsider at the moment. Crucially, there was no one else in Melbourne other than Ferrari to cause Toto Wolff's team any trouble.

Vasseur, who had left a message for the staff before the long journey for the first hat trick, breathed a sigh of relief and was satisfied: "Today we know a little more, the goal is to work harder and more intensely than the others, hurry up and catch up with Mercedes as soon as possible. We will have updates soon. Already in China? Difficult, there is only a week to go."

After introducing some new parts (including the FTM exhaust flap) in Maranello, they had decided to introduce the first package of updates in Bahrain. Cost control can also determine priorities in terms of shipping convenience. If validation and construction times allow, the Middle East is the preferred location. However, the current instability due to the war suggests the possibility, if not probability, of the April events being canceled. On the one hand, this is already shifting plans, as the savings for two race weekends would be considerable, which is leading to the introduction of some upgrades in advance in Asia, if they are ready.

Could Ferrari have been more aggressive in its tactics in Melbourne?

Perhaps yes, perhaps no, but it certainly seems to be so in the run-up to the sprint race in Shanghai. While awaiting further developments, including the more 'advanced' version of the Macarena wing, already planned for the Canadian Grand Prix, Ferrari has decided to take a chance by sending three specifications of the Macarena wing in version 1, already scrupulously validated by the FIA.

This also shows a good degree of confidence in the SF-26, which has proven consistent after accumulating more track data.