Ferrari Stands Firm on Future Wins Amidst Alesi's 'Embarrassing' Criticism
Ferrari faces intense scrutiny as it secures a disappointing fourth in the Constructors' Championship, its worst finish since 2020. Team legend Jean Alesi lambasted Fred Vasseur's focus on the 2026 car as a "weak excuse." However, Piero Ferrari remains optimistic, recalling past comebacks and asserting that the Scuderia will undoubtedly win again, leveraging internal excellence to overcome current struggles and build a winning future.
Ferrari finds itself in an unenviable fourth place in the Constructors' Championship, its worst result since 2020, prompting sharp criticism from team legend Jean Alesi. Alesi labeled team principal Fred Vasseur's explanation regarding the 2026 car focus as a "very weak excuse," expressing serious concern for the team's future. Despite the backlash, Piero Ferrari, son of founder Enzo Ferrari, remains confident in the Scuderia's ability to rebound and return to winning ways.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's current performance and the internal friction over strategy highlight a critical juncture for the legendary team. The debate between prioritizing current results versus future development, especially with significant rule changes looming in 2026, could define Ferrari's trajectory for years to come. Alesi's blunt assessment underscores the frustration felt by many, while Piero Ferrari's unwavering belief offers a glimpse into the team's long-term resolve.
The Details:
- Current Standing: Ferrari is guaranteed P4 in the Constructors' Championship, unable to climb higher even with a perfect final race. They are the only top-four team without a Grand Prix win this season.
- Vasseur's Justification: Team Principal Fred Vasseur stated that Ferrari decided "very early into the season," specifically by the end of April, to shift focus entirely to the 2026 car. He admitted to underestimating the psychological impact on the team, knowing no further aero developments would come for the remaining 18-20 races.
- Leclerc's Disappointment: Charles Leclerc echoed Vasseur's point about sacrificing the latter half of the season for next year's car but emphasized that this doesn't fully explain the team's significant performance drop, particularly in recent races.
- Alesi's Critique: Jean Alesi, a Ferrari icon, dismissed Vasseur's explanation as an "embarrassing attempt to protect this failure," arguing that all top teams manage to develop two cars simultaneously.
- Piero Ferrari's Optimism: Contrasting Alesi's views, Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo Ferrari, expressed confidence in the team's eventual recovery. He cited historical periods of struggle followed by triumphs, asserting, "Ferrari will win again, we will certainly not give up, I know the excellence we have at our disposal."
The Big Picture:
Ferrari's predicament reflects a broader challenge in Formula 1: balancing immediate competitive demands with long-term strategic planning, especially with upcoming regulation changes. While focusing on 2026 might yield future success, the cost is a disappointing current season, leading to internal and external criticism. The team's ability to navigate this period of underperformance while building for a new era will be crucial.
What's next:
Ferrari faces an uphill battle to regain its competitive edge. The team's commitment to the 2026 regulations implies a period of sustained effort behind the scenes. The upcoming seasons will reveal whether Vasseur's controversial strategy pays off or if Alesi's concerns about the team's future prove to be well-founded. For now, the focus will be on the final race in Abu Dhabi and the groundwork being laid for a resurgence.