Analyst warns of 'changes' at Ferrari if 2026 campaign falls short
F1 analyst James Hinchcliffe warns that Ferrari faces major internal changes if it fails to make significant progress in 2026, following a winless 2025 season. He stresses that both the car and team operations need 'big leaps' to support drivers Leclerc and Hamilton.
Former IndyCar driver and analyst James Hinchcliffe has issued a stark warning to Ferrari, stating that significant internal 'changes' are likely if the team fails to deliver 'big leaps' and capitalize on the 2026 regulation reset. This follows a dismal 2025 season where Ferrari failed to win a race and finished fourth in the constructors' championship, despite Charles Leclerc's efforts to salvage results.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's performance trajectory is under intense scrutiny. After a winless 2025 and with the high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton yet to yield competitive results, the pressure is immense. The 2026 regulatory overhaul represents a critical reset point. Failure to make a substantial leap forward could trigger a major organizational shake-up, impacting leadership, strategy, and potentially the driver lineup, as the team struggles to return to its championship-winning form.
The details:
- Hinchcliffe highlighted that while Charles Leclerc managed to secure occasional strong results, the car and the team's overall operation were not at the required level in 2025.
- Lewis Hamilton's debut season with the Scuderia was described as "tough to watch," with the analyst noting that significant internal work is needed to allow the seven-time champion to perform at his peak.
- The flashes of Hamilton's former brilliance were too rare, occurring only when the car's setup aligned with his preferences, underscoring the fundamental performance issues.
- The core message is clear: comprehensive improvements are needed "from top to bottom" for the team to challenge for victories again.
What's next:
All eyes are on Ferrari's 2026 project. Hinchcliffe framed the new regulations as a "huge opportunity" for the Scuderia to reinvent itself. However, he coupled this with a clear ultimatum: if Ferrari falls short of expectations next season, the team could look "very different" by 2027. This aligns with Hamilton's own cautious outlook on the new rules, as he expressed hope that the next generation of cars would be an improvement over what he called "probably the worst" era of ground-effect machinery. The coming year is a pivotal proving ground for Ferrari's technical direction and team management.