Domenicali urges Ferrari to react after dismal 2025 season

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has issued a blunt warning to Ferrari, urging the team to formulate a clear plan to avoid a repeat of their dismal 2025 campaign. The Scuderia slumped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship with zero wins, marking their worst statistical performance since 2021. With a massive regulatory overhaul looming in 2026, Domenicali emphasized that accepting fourth place as "normal" is unacceptable for the iconic team.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's struggles are particularly painful given the high expectations surrounding Lewis Hamilton's debut and the team's recent trajectory. A winless season and a significant drop in points (254 fewer than 2024) highlight deep-seated issues. As the grid prepares for the 2026 regulation reset involving active aerodynamics and new power units, Ferrari's ability to bounce back is critical not just for their legacy, but for the overall competitive landscape of the sport.

The details:

• 2025 Review: Ferrari finished 4th with 398 points, a sharp decline from their 2024 tally.
• Driver Performance: Charles Leclerc ended the year P5 with 242 points, while Hamilton suffered a career-first, finishing P6 without a single podium in his 18-year F1 career.
• Domenicali's Verdict: The F1 CEO stated, "It’s important to react, not to fade away," insisting that Ferrari deserves to be in a stronger position and must ensure the "right energy" moving forward.

What's next:

All eyes are on Ferrari's 2026 challenger, set to launch on January 23. The new regulations introduce active aerodynamics and increased electrical power, creating a "wide-open" opportunity for teams to reset the hierarchy. Domenicali predicts constant evolution throughout the season, noting that while everyone is talking about 2026, the true pecking order remains unknown until testing begins.