Whilst Ferrari left the Interlagos circuit disappointed to suffer a Double DNF, poor results are inevitable in Formula 1. In such a tightly contested field, setbacks and misfortune will often present themselves.
What is more difficult for Ferrari to overcome, however, is constant negative press and speculation. As the most prestigious team on the grid, there is usually more attention on Maranello than anywhere else.
With that said, the latest controversy surrounding the team – this being the criticisms of Ferrari Chairman John Elkann towards Hamilton and Leclerc – is unprecedented and altogether unexpected.
These remarks are a reminder of the delicate situation at the Scuderia – and things will remain uneasy in 2026.
Leclerc has waited too long, Hamilton cannot afford to wait
With just three races left this season, Lando Norris is the favourite to secure this year’s title. The British driver has a 24-point advantage over teammate Oscar Piastri, a cushion that gives him vital breathing space.
Even if Piastri pulls off a remarkable comeback, it would be a McLaren drivers who takes home the crown.
Despite a storming drive at Interlagos, Verstappen is almost 50 points away from the Championship leader – meaning this year’s crown is essentially out of his hands.
Assuming a McLaren driver secures the title, it is worth remembering how Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will reflect on the last eighteen months.
Norris, like Leclerc, has been loyal to his team for many years. The 25-year-old, like his Monegasque rival, has turned down advances from rivals and stayed committed to the team that brought him to F1.
This decision is undoubtedly paying off for Norris. The 11-time race winner has enjoyed the luxury of F1’s fastest car for the last eighteen months, and is on track to become World Champion this season.
For Leclerc, unwavering loyalty to Ferrari has not been rewarded.
The 28-year-old is yet to fight for a Championship, with the engineers of Maranello unable to produce a title contender during his time there.
Given his abilities, this reality is becoming increasingly difficult to accept. Other drivers of a similar of even younger age, such as Piastri and Norris, have already been in a position to dream of the title.
Patience should not be confused with complacency, and Leclerc is conscious that his time in F1 is limited. His next contract could be the most important of his career, which is why 2026 is so important.
If Fred Vasseur’s team cannot deliver a machine fast enough to fight for a title, the 8-time race winner will likely take matter into his own hands. Should Leclerc see an opening at a more competitive team in the 2026 driver market, he is unlikely to allow loyalty to Ferrari to deny him success.
His manager, Nicholas Todt, strongly hinted to this realignment of priorities in early October.
Winning is the primary goal for the Monegasque, and winning with Ferrari is the ideal scenario. However, Leclerc would rather win a Championship elsewhere than end his career at Ferrari without a title.
Danger of another rebuild
When Lewis Hamilton signed with Ferrari, leaving his immensely successful partnership with Mercedes, the objective was clear. Anything less than winning a title with the Scuderia will be seen as a disappointment.
Although Hamilton’s performance has been sporadic in 2025, acclimatising to Maranello was never going to be an instant process. What was not foreseen, however, is that Ferrari would take a step backwards relative to 2024.
As a driver who just entered his 40s, Hamilton does not have the luxury of time. If Ferrari are uncompetitive next year, he cannot spend several seasons at the team hoping for a recovery.
To be clear, it would be premature to write Ferrari off for 2026. As of yet, there is no guarantee how teams will perform when the next regulations take effect.
Still, it is worth considering the potential dangers ahead for the Prancing Horse. A failure to execute over the winter, beyond impacting the team’s results in 2026, could push both drivers into exploring the market.
In this scenario, the Italian outfit would – not for the first time – be forced to enter a transitional phase. Although this is hypothetical, there is a very real possibility for Ferrari to lose both their drivers after next year.
The latest comments from John Elkann inspire little confidence in the long-term vision at Maranello.
Without forgetting this context, Ferrari’s development over the coming months should be eagerly followed. More so than previous years, a slow 2026 package could have far-reaching ramifications.
Main photo: Ferrari Media Gallery