Schumacher warns Vasseur faces consequences if Ferrari falters in 2026

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has issued a stark warning to Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur, suggesting his position is on the line if the Scuderia fails to deliver a title-challenging car in 2026. Following a winless 2025 season, the pressure is mounting on Maranello to capitalize on the new regulations and the arrival of Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

Ferrari has historically been ruthless with its leadership when results don't match expectations. With the massive investment in the new regulations and the high-profile signing of Hamilton, the team is entering a critical window. Failure to perform immediately could trigger another cycle of upheaval just as the team aims for stability at the front of the grid.

The details:

• 2025 Struggles: The Scuderia failed to secure a single Grand Prix victory last season. Charles Leclerc managed seven podiums, while Hamilton's debut was largely lackluster, save for a Sprint win in China.
• All or Nothing: Schumacher emphasized that "everything is at stake" regarding the performance Ferrari brings to the track. He noted that the team stopped developing the 2025 car early to focus entirely on the 2026 project.
• Vasseur's Awareness: The German driver believes Vasseur is fully aware of the risks, having set up his team specifically for this year. Schumacher stated that if the car isn't fighting for the title, "there will be decisions," referencing Ferrari's long history of changing team principals and drivers.

What's next:

The verdict will come quickly. Schumacher suggests the first two races of the season will be crucial indicators of Ferrari's pace. With the new power unit and chassis regulations coming into play, all eyes will be on pre-season testing to see if Ferrari's aggressive gamble has paid off.