Domenicali Backs Ferrari to Bounce Back, Insists 'Plan' is in Place After 2025 Struggles

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is expressing strong confidence in Ferrari's ability to rebound from a deeply disappointing 2025 season. Despite the Scuderia finishing a distant fourth in the Constructors' Championship, Domenicali, a former team principal at Maranello, insists that the team has a clear plan to fight back and deserves to be in a stronger position.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's performance is intrinsically linked to the overall health and appeal of Formula 1. As one of the sport's most iconic and valuable brands, a struggling Ferrari dampens fan engagement and commercial prospects. Domenicali's public vote of confidence serves to bolster the team's morale amidst intense criticism and signals to the wider F1 community that a resurgence is expected, not just hoped for.

The details:

• Domenicali pushed back against the negative narrative surrounding Ferrari's 2025 campaign, telling Sky Sports, "I'm a positive guy. I think that there's no need to cry. There's no need to always be negative."
• He specifically placed his faith in the leadership and driver lineup, stating, "I'm sure that Fred and Lewis and Charles have a plan, and that's what's important."
• The F1 CEO emphasized the need for a strong cultural response, adding that it's vital for Ferrari to "react, not to fade away as if it were normal to be fourth in the championship."
• The external pressure on the team remains high, with former champion Jacques Villeneuve, a past critic, now reportedly avoiding further commentary to avoid a backlash from the passionate Tifosi.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari during the winter break as they work to translate Domenicali's faith into tangible performance. The upcoming 2026 season, with its massive technical regulation overhaul, presents a golden opportunity for a reset. Domenicali noted that while "everyone is talking, no one knows where we are" for next year, Ferrari's response to this season's failures will be critical in determining if they can once again become genuine title contenders.