Ferrari are facing growing pressure to hit the ground running with a competitive car when the 2026 Formula 1 season begins.
Another slow start could lead to changes behind the scenes. It’s now been 17 years since their last drivers’ or constructors’ title, and patience is wearing thin.
With plenty of time and expertise at their disposal, Ferrari have no excuses not to be ready for the new regulations in 2026. They’re expected to deliver.
The long wait for a winning car has tested both Leclerc and the fans. Even Lewis Hamilton is frustrated, less than a year into his stint with Ferrari.
Hamilton has made it clear he expects significant progress over the winter, and there’s no reason Ferrari shouldn’t be able to step up.
The Monegasque driver wants more from his team in the coming months and hasn’t ruled out looking elsewhere if things don’t improve, with Aston Martin among those linked to him recently.
Fred Vasseur given five-race window by Ferrari to turn things around in 2026
Leclerc agrees with Hamilton’s view on Ferrari and has already pinpointed several areas where the car needs to get better moving forward.
This year, they’ve looked more like a midfield team and stopped developing the SF-25 earlier than some of their competitors.
That extra time spent on next year’s car should put them in a stronger position when pre-season testing rolls around.
Fred Vasseur recently extended his contract through 2027, but ongoing struggles have raised questions about whether he’s the right person to lead them out of this mess.
The report from Corriere della Sera says he could be under pressure after just five races if results don’t improve quickly at the start of 2026. It’s not exactly how Vasseur would have pictured things going when he signed his extension through 2027.
Ferrari’s 2025 struggles highlighted by poor finish to the season
Ferrari’s late-season collapse has cost them dearly in the constructors’ standings, and they’ve had no answer for the pressure.
Hamilton hasn’t managed a finish higher than eighth in his last four races, capping off what’s already been a disappointing year.
This will go down as their first winless campaign since 2021, and there’s little reason to think that will change at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The team will be relieved to finally move on from the SF-25 and shift their attention fully towards next year.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
