Concerns are mounting at Ferrari, especially regarding their engines. Although Ferrari is behind in development, they are not alone. Development work was halted in April to focus on the 2026 season.
We have to accept that the 2025 championship is effectively a countdown for Ferrari, and relief must be immense knowing that the SF-25 will only need to face the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next Sunday. If this is truly the case, it means Maranello is already looking ahead to 2026, and likely with a significant advantage. Fred Vasseur, after months of debate about missing tenths, untapped potential, and incomplete execution, recently confirmed that development was stopped in April to redirect resources toward 2026. While this may justify the somewhat bleak present season, it also raises expectations for the upcoming technical revolution. One can imagine Ferrari gaining a substantial lead over McLaren and Red Bull, who are still battling in the drivers’ championship—or will they?
From April to April
In reality, the twelve months from April 2025—the month when development was reportedly paused—to April 2026, covering five Grand Prix, will determine the future of the French manager at Ferrari. The scenario is straightforward: in 2026, Fred Vasseur will either soar alongside the new car or sink with it. In Maranello, the main worry is engine development timing. Ferrari is behind schedule, but simply stating that would be misleading. Almost all power unit manufacturers are currently behind on developing new engines, linked to new sustainable fuels (e-fuels and bio-fuels) and anti-knock additives, which are crucial and unprecedented. Mercedes may be slightly less delayed, but Honda is further behind. Andy Cowell, after disagreements with designer Adrian Newey, has been shifted to the engine project to oversee the program and set the pace for the Japanese team, frequently working from Tochigi.
Closing the season well
Returning to Ferrari, the team is set to finish fourth in the Constructors’ Championship in Abu Dhabi. Compared to the second place that was initially considered the minimum goal, this would result in a shortfall of approximately $18 million in prize money. The Maranello team will approach the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hoping for a podium, although it will be difficult to achieve with the three front-runners battling at the top. More realistically, a respectable finish is expected, aided by the absence of the fast, long corners that eliminated Ferrari from contention in Qatar.
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