F1 CEO Domenicali Urges Ferrari to 'React' After Disappointing Season
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has a clear message for Ferrari after their disappointing season: stop complaining and start reacting. He urged the Scuderia to formulate a clear plan, backing its leadership and drivers to bounce back.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has delivered a blunt message to Ferrari following its disappointing fourth-place finish in the 2024 season: stop complaining and start reacting. Domenicali urged the Scuderia to use the upcoming winter break to formulate a clear plan, emphasizing that a fourth-place standing is not acceptable for a team of Ferrari's stature. He reaffirmed his faith in team principal Frédéric Vasseur and drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to lead the charge.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's performance is integral to the overall health and spectacle of Formula 1. As one of the sport's most iconic and historically successful teams, a prolonged period of mediocrity is detrimental. Domenicali's public call to action puts pressure on Maranello to capitalize on the massive opportunity presented by the 2026 regulation changes, which could reset the competitive order. A strong, fighting Ferrari is essential for F1's global appeal.
The details:
- Domenicali stressed a need for a positive, proactive mindset, stating, "There is no reason to complain or be constantly negative."
- He emphasized the necessity of a coherent strategy, saying, "They must have a plan. And I am sure that Fred, Lewis, and Charles have one—that is the most important thing."
- The F1 boss made it clear that settling for fourth place in the Constructors' Championship is unacceptable, urging the team to "react" rather than normalize the result.
- Looking ahead to the 2026 rules overhaul, Domenicali highlighted this as a critical chance for Ferrari to reset, but warned that development will be a continuous race, with "new developments with every race."
Looking Ahead:
The pressure is now on Ferrari to translate Domenicali's challenge into action during the off-season. The integration of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton into the team, alongside Charles Leclerc, will be a major storyline. All eyes will be on Maranello to see if they can produce a car capable of challenging for top honors in 2026, leveraging the new regulations to finally end their championship drought.