Bernie Collins believes Ferrari must answer one critical question to unlock Lewis Hamilton's full potential this season: can they build on their blistering early-race pace and solve their late-race drop-off?

Despite an inconsistent start to the 2026 F1 season, there are encouraging signs for the seven-time world champion. Early in the year, Hamilton appeared far more comfortable under the new regulations than he ever did during the ground-effect era. At 41, he seemed to have found his groove again with the refreshed chassis and aero rules.

But that early edge has started to fade. Hamilton finished sixth in Japan and repeated that result in Miami, where he also managed seventh in the Sprint. A first-lap clash with Franco Colapinto cost him dearly in the Miami Grand Prix. Though Hamilton crossed the line seventh, post-race penalties nudged him up a spot. Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc dropped from sixth to eighth after a 20-second penalty, his race unraveling when a spin during a fight with McLaren's Oscar Piastri for the final podium spot sent him tumbling.

Despite the struggles, Collins sees reasons for optimism. She highlighted the 11 upgrades Ferrari brought to Miami as a step forward, suggesting those changes could pay dividends at circuits with different characteristics. But until the team solves its tendency to fade as races progress, both drivers will likely feel hamstrung by the SF-26.

"I think Lewis, maybe, didn't have a strong weekend this weekend, and Charles Leclerc, as well, had little issues during the race," Collins told Sky Sports News. "Both of them had damage—Lewis very early on, Charles towards the end. But I think that Ferrari have shown signs of improvement. The gap is not that big, and I think different races will benefit different cars, depending on their performance upgrades and how their engine is performing at that track."

Collins pointed to one area where Ferrari has consistently excelled: "We've seen Ferrari be very strong off the start line. So can they build around that early race pace and improve how the car handles later on? That's going to be key."

If Ferrari can answer that question, Hamilton might just have the platform he needs to mount a serious championship push.