Ferrari, one of Formula 1’s most storied teams, is grappling with mounting internal issues and disappointing on-track performance. Despite active efforts to reinforce its technical team, many high-profile engineers have reportedly turned down offers from Maranello—suggesting deep-rooted structural challenges within the organization.
The team’s focus appears to have shifted from the underperforming SF-25 to the future “Project 678”—Ferrari’s 2026 car, developed in accordance with Formula 1’s new regulations. The upcoming era will feature 50% electric and 50% internal combustion hybrid engines, a technical overhaul that demands innovation across chassis, aerodynamics, and power unit architecture.
While rivals like Mercedes are believed to be ahead in adapting to the new rules, Ferrari risks falling behind, much like it did during the 2014 hybrid transition. Despite being significantly redesigned, the SF-25 has failed to deliver meaningful performance gains. McLaren currently holds a lap-time advantage of around 0.4 seconds—an alarming gap that seems unlikely to be bridged by the end of the season.
Team principal Fred Vasseur’s contract expires at the end of 2025, yet no extension talks have been reported. This silence echoes the uncertainty that preceded Mattia Binotto’s departure. Adding to the speculation, Lewis Hamilton has publicly urged Ferrari to shift its full attention to 2026 rather than chasing diminishing returns in 2025.
Talks about Red Bull boss Christian Horner joining Ferrari have resurfaced but were quickly denied. Meanwhile, endurance racing leader Antonello Coletta—who led Ferrari to two Le Mans victories—emerges as a strong internal candidate for the team principal role, should the team clinch another world title this season.