Jolyon Palmer thinks Ferrari may have solved Lewis Hamilton’s biggest gripe with the SF-26 in Baku

Former Formula 1 driver and pundit Jolyon Palmer believes Ferrari may have resolved Lewis Hamilton's straight-line speed concerns with the SF-26 car. During the first practice session at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc and Hamilton finished third and fourth respectively, with George Russell setting the fastest lap time ahead of Max Verstappen.

Palmer noted Ferrari's improved top speed along the Baku City Circuit's long straight, observing that Leclerc harvested electrical energy through Turns 15 and 16 to deploy on the main straight. Deficits in straight-line speed had previously caused Hamilton to lose significant lap time during prior race weekends.