Jenson Button Raises Ferrari's 'Fear of Failure' Ahead of F1 2026

Jenson Button, the 2009 World Champion, suggests that a collective 'fear of failure' among Ferrari personnel, driven by job insecurity, could hinder the team's success in the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season. Button emphasizes the critical need for stability and a united front as major regulatory changes loom, hoping the team maintains consistency throughout what promises to be a transformative year for F1.

Why it matters:

Ferrari is poised for a significant reset with the 2026 regulations, which will impact both chassis and engine design. Button's comments highlight a crucial internal challenge for a team that historically struggles with consistency. Addressing this 'fear of failure' and fostering stability could be key to Ferrari capitalizing on the new era and finally challenging for championships, especially with the high-profile arrival of Lewis Hamilton.

The details:

• Button's Observation: Jenson Button, serving as a Sky F1 analyst at the Singapore GP, noted a palpable 'fear of failure' within Ferrari. He believes this stems from an environment where personnel feel easily replaceable, leading to insecurity.
• Call for Consistency: Button stressed that consistency within the team is vital, as it builds confidence among staff and drivers alike. He hopes the team remains cohesive throughout the entire 2026 season, acknowledging the extensive changes anticipated.
• 2026 Regulations Overview: The upcoming regulations will bring substantial changes:
  • Chassis: Cars will be 30 kilograms lighter. DRS will be replaced by active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings.
  • Tires: Pirelli tires will be narrower (25mm at the front, 30mm at the rear).
  • Power Units: Electrical power output will more than double, and the internal combustion engines will run on fully sustainable biofuel.
• Ferrari's Current State: Despite signing Lewis Hamilton for 2025 and pushing McLaren in 2024, Ferrari has yet to secure a victory this season. Charles Leclerc has expressed skepticism about immediate improvements post-Singapore, as teams shift focus to 2026.
• Team Stability Efforts: Ferrari has attempted to promote stability, notably by extending Team Principal Fred Vasseur's multi-year contract amidst early reports of his uncertain future.

The big picture:

Ferrari's journey in recent years has been marked by periods of promise followed by inconsistency. While the team has not had an "horrific" year, currently sitting P3 in the Constructors' Championship, they haven't consistently challenged the dominant McLaren or Max Verstappen. The 2026 regulations offer a clean slate, but Button's insights suggest that internal cultural issues, if unaddressed, could undermine their technical efforts and driver lineup, which he hails as one of the best.

What's next:

For Ferrari, the immediate future involves navigating the rest of the current season while concurrently pouring resources into the 2026 car development. Successfully fostering a culture of stability and trust, as Button suggests, will be as critical as technical innovation. The integration of Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc in 2025 will provide an early test of team cohesion before the significant overhaul of 2026, where a unified and fearless approach will be essential for turning championship aspirations into reality.