Last updated: 16/11/2025

In this post, we’ll unpack the main reasons behind Ferrari’s F1 struggles and what’s going wrong at Maranello.

A Long Title Drought: What’s Changed Since Ferrari Last Won

With Leclerc driving since 2019, the team has shown flashes of potential. Yet the switch to F1 Ferrari’s current leadership structure and the blockbuster signing of Hamilton for 2025 have exposed just how fragile things remain.

Engineering and Technical Failures: The SF-25 Woes

Design Ambition vs Reality

The SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 car, promised major innovation, including a reworked suspension and aggressive ground-effect design. But Leclerc and others have criticized its lack of grip and downforce. According to Leclerc, they simply don’t have “enough grip to corner faster,” and he argues that this hurts tyre life and race pace.

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur admitted that he and Hamilton may have underestimated how difficult it would be for Lewis to adapt to Ferrari’s distinct working culture. The French team principal also pointed out that Hamilton spent many years in much more stable environments, changing teams was not part of Hamilton’s DNA.

Leadership of Engineering Under Pressure

Ferrari legend Luca di Montezemolo went so far as to accuse the current leadership of lacking a “strong, determined soul.” He warned that Ferrari appears directionless and is making bold announcements without delivering results.

That echoes a broader concern: engineering is pushing forward, but instability and a lack of internal cohesion are holding them back.

Strategic Failures: Underperforming Gains & Misaligned Upgrades

In many races, setup compromises are too cautious: to manage instability, they run the car high or stiff, which hurts ultimate performance. Leclerc has said that while qualifying highlights some strengths, during the race, when grip is needed, the SF-25 shows its weakness.

Leadership & Team Culture: A Challenging Internal Climate

Public Rebuke from the Top

Tensions boiled over after the disastrous Brazilian GP in 2025: Ferrari president John Elkann publicly told Hamilton and Leclerc to “focus on driving and talk less.” After both drivers retired from the race, Elkann praised mechanics and engineers but was critical of the drivers’ performance.

His comments stirred controversy, especially because Leclerc and Hamilton responded with determined messages on social media: Leclerc called for unity, and Hamilton said he would “not give up.”

Leadership Vacuums & Criticism

Former chairman Luca di Montezemolo sharply criticized the team for lacking leadership under Vasseur. He claimed Ferrari is a “soulless” outfit without direction – harsh words, but revealing of deep-rooted frustration. Many feel that despite bold technology, the team lacks a strong, unifying vision.

Vasseur has defended his approach, but he admits that restoring trust is an ongoing challenge. Meanwhile, Leclerc has grown vocal about his desire for more downforce and stability – a sign that even top drivers feel held back by organizational inertia.

Driver Pressure & Internal Friction

• Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s long-time hopeful, has pushed hard. Despite the car’s shortcomings, he has remained optimistic about the team’s long-term direction and has repeatedly backed Hamilton in public. 
• Lewis Hamilton, in his first season with the Scuderia, has struggled to find form. He’s yet to score a regular-race podium after many races. Vasseur said they underestimated how steep the adaptation would be for him. 
• Meanwhile, pundits like Bernie Ecclestone have questioned whether Hamilton’s marriage with Ferrari will last – suggesting that internal dynamics may be as much to blame as performance. 

Leclerc’s impatience has grown, and the team knows it: Vasseur has acknowledged that “every Monday I’m pushing the team to bring performance.”

What Must Change: The Road to Recovery

1. Technical Stability: The SF-25’s design ambitions must be balanced with reliability and grip. They need upgrades that don’t just introduce risk.
2. Strategic Clarity: Rather than chasing headlines, Ferrari should prioritize upgrades with clear, race-proven benefits.
3. Leadership Reform: Strong, consistent leadership is crucial. The criticism from di Montezemolo and Elkann shows how much the Tifosi and insiders value a clear vision.
4. Cultural Reset: Engineers, drivers, and management must reconnect. Fear of failure hurts innovation – Ferrari needs more open collaboration.
5. Long-Term Focus: With major regulation changes coming in 2026, Ferrari must plan now for a sustainable return to the front, not just quick fixes.

Conclusion

To end this drought, Ferrari must fix not only their car but their organizational soul. Only a grounded, united team can hope to return to the top.

Related reading:

• Greatest F1 Rivalries of All Time
• History of F1: Complete Timetable

FAQ: Ferrari Formula 1 Struggles

Q: What’s wrong with the SF-25?
Drivers say it lacks grip and downforce. To manage bouncing or instability, the team is forced into conservative setups, which hurts race pace.

Q: Did Ferrari’s president really criticize his own drivers?
Yes. John Elkann publicly told Hamilton and Leclerc to “talk less” and focus on driving after a poor Brazilian GP.

Q: Is there a leadership crisis at Ferrari?
According to former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo, yes – he’s called out the lack of a “strong soul” and leadership at the top.

Q: Can Ferrari recover?
It’s possible. With careful engineering work, a cultural reboot, and smart upgrades, especially ahead of the 2026 regulation reset, Ferrari could come back as the dominant force it once was.