With the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring on August 3, the first half of the 2025 Formula 1 season came to an end, revealing a Ferrari campaign that has fallen significantly below expectations.
The Scuderia Ferrari, which last year fought fiercely for the constructors’ championship against McLaren all the way to the Abu Dhabi finale, has struggled to keep pace with the dominant McLaren team in this 2025 season, despite the continuity in technical regulations.
When asked about the difficulties faced by Ferrari, which recently chose to pursue a strategy of stability by renewing Frederic Vasseur’s contract on a multi-year basis, former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone highlighted that the team lacks a figure capable of taking control and steering the squad back toward the path of consistent success—a success that has been elusive in Maranello for many years.
“It’s really incredible,” Bernie Ecclestone told F1destinations.com, commenting on Ferrari’s current challenges. “Ferrari worked extremely well under the leadership of Jean Todt, when he brought Michael Schumacher and many other key staff members from Benetton. At the moment, I cannot say anything negative about the Italian staff working for Ferrari, but I do think the team needs someone to take charge, find the right direction, and see the work through to completion.”
Continuing his remarks, Bernie Ecclestone added: “I’m not entirely sure that signing Lewis [Hamilton] was the right decision. Lewis obviously has incredible talent, but he is somewhat political, which is typical both of him and of Ferrari. That said, it could pay off in the long run. It could be positive for both him and Ferrari if the partnership is managed correctly.”
Bernie Ecclestone’s comments underline the enduring challenges Ferrari faces in regaining its position at the very top of Formula 1. While the team has stable leadership and a roster of experienced personnel, according to the former F1 supremo, what is missing is a guiding figure who can unify the team, implement a coherent strategy, and restore Ferrari’s dominance on the track.
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