Jenson Button Warns Ferrari of 'Fear Culture'

Jenson Button, a former F1 world champion, suggests that a 'fear of failure' culture is prevalent within Ferrari, leading staff to worry about job security. This comes after a challenging Singapore Grand Prix for the Scuderia, marred by untapped car potential and a post-race penalty.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's long-standing quest for an F1 championship is continually hampered by internal dynamics, according to Button. A culture where employees fear making mistakes can stifle innovation and effective problem-solving, both critical for success in the high-pressure environment of Formula 1. Addressing this internal issue is as vital as technical improvements for Ferrari to consistently challenge for titles.

The details:

• Performance struggles: Ferrari's Singapore GP weekend saw their car's potential go unfulfilled during qualifying, followed by brake issues that demoted a P5 finish to P8 after a penalty.
• Button's observation: Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Jenson Button stated, "You can't be afraid to fail. And that's what it feels like at Ferrari." He added that staff likely feel it's "easy to be pushed out the door."
• Impact on confidence: Button emphasized that a lack of job security and fear within the team undermines confidence, not only for the staff but also for the drivers.
• Need for consistency: He called for greater consistency throughout the team, particularly looking ahead to the significant regulation changes in the 2026 season. Button hopes that the current leadership and driver lineup will be maintained.

What's next:

Button stressed the importance of continuity, especially with the 2026 regulations approaching, which will bring substantial changes to the sport. He expressed hope that Ferrari would maintain a consistent team structure throughout the next season, acknowledging the team's potential with its current leadership and driver lineup. If Ferrari can foster a more secure and empowering environment, it could unlock the full potential of its talent and resources.