Ex-Ferrari Boss Domenicali: Scuderia Needs a Plan, Not Negativity, for 2026

Formula 1 CEO and former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has a message for his old team: ditch the negativity and execute a clear plan for 2026. Following a winless and frustrating 2025 season, Domenicali urged the Scuderia to channel the "right energy" into a pivotal year of massive regulatory change, expressing confidence that a plan is already in place.

Why it matters:

Domenicali's words carry significant weight, not just as the head of F1 but as the leader who delivered Ferrari's most recent championship in 2008. The team's performance is intrinsically linked to the sport's global appeal, and a resurgent Ferrari challenging for titles would be a major storyline. His public call for positivity is a direct response to the palpable frustration that emanated from Maranello throughout 2025.

The details:

• Ferrari's 2025 campaign fell far short of expectations, with the team finishing fourth in the Constructors' Championship and failing to win a race.
• The struggles were encapsulated by marquee signing Lewis Hamilton, who publicly called it his "worst season ever" and failed to reach a single podium.
• Domenicali's Advice: The F1 boss emphasized that Ferrari must "react, not to fade away," insisting there is "no need to cry" and that a concrete plan is essential.
  • He expressed confidence that team principal Fred Vasseur, along with drivers Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, are already formulating this strategy.
• The 2026 Opportunity: With sweeping new chassis and engine regulations, Domenicali noted that "everyone is talking, but nobody knows where we are," suggesting a potential reshuffling of the competitive order.

What's next:

The upcoming winter break is now a critical period for Ferrari to regroup and build momentum for the 2026 reset. The new regulations represent a clean slate and a genuine opportunity to close the gap to the front. As Lando Norris prepares to defend his first World Title, all eyes will be on Maranello to see if they can channel Domenicali's advice and emerge as genuine contenders.