Ferrari struggles deepen in 2025 as Singapore GP highlights internal tensions
Ferrari’s hopes of securing a Grand Prix victory in the 2025 Formula 1 season are fading fast. Their disappointing haul of just 10 points at the Singapore Grand Prix has put the Scuderia at risk of dropping out of the top three in the Constructors’ Championship standings, signaling a season well below expectations.
The Singapore race saw George Russell take victory for Mercedes, while Kimi Antonelli edged out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to claim fifth place. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s second-place finish allowed Red Bull Racing to close the gap on Ferrari, now down to just eight points in the championship battle. Historically, Ferrari has been a consistent frontrunner, finishing outside the top three in the Constructors’ only once in the last decade—sixth place in 2020. Despite Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur securing a new contract earlier this year, his long-term position remains under scrutiny amid the team’s declining performance.
After signing Lewis Hamilton with high expectations of dethroning McLaren, Ferrari has struggled to keep pace. The Woking-based team secured the Constructors’ title with six races to spare, leaving the Scuderia trailing by 352 points and having collected only five podium finishes so far this season. The performance gap has underscored the challenges Ferrari faces in adapting to the 2025 car, the SF-25, and optimizing its capabilities across varying circuit conditions.
Fred Vasseur involved in tense exchange with senior engineer
According to Corriere dello Sport, the atmosphere within Ferrari has become increasingly strained following the Singapore Grand Prix. Reports indicate that new internal tensions are emerging as the team grapples with underperformance and strategic missteps. Sources suggest that Fred Vasseur engaged in a “very tense” discussion with Matteo Togninalli, Ferrari’s Head of Track Engineering, after Saturday’s qualifying session. Ferrari’s lead driver, Lewis Hamilton, qualified sixth, half a second adrift of pole position, while teammate Charles Leclerc started seventh.
Matteo Togninalli is regarded as a highly experienced and capable engineer, having held senior positions within Ferrari’s Formula 1 program since 2010. Despite his expertise, the discussion reportedly highlighted friction between management and engineering leadership as the team searches for solutions to ongoing performance challenges.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna are reportedly planning a meeting before the next Grand Prix in the United States. The objective of this session is to conduct an open and transparent review of the team’s struggles and chart a clear path forward. These talks are expected to focus on technical strategy, internal communication, and the broader management structure at Maranello.
Internal disagreements over Vasseur’s leadership
The Italian media reports that there is growing division within Ferrari regarding Fred Vasseur’s leadership style. Some team members reportedly disagree with his approach to internal management, reflecting broader tensions that often arise when a high-profile team underperforms on the global stage. While the French manager is not solely responsible for the season’s difficulties, his role as team principal naturally makes him a focal point for criticism.
Industry insiders suggest that if Ferrari’s poor form persists into the next season under new regulations, Fred Vasseur’s position could be formally questioned. Earlier this year, it was hinted that Ferrari’s management had used subtle signals in the media to convey their concerns directly to him. However, there is currently no public indication that the team has lost faith in his ability to lead, with the emphasis instead on ensuring stronger alignment between management, engineering, and driver feedback.
The Singapore Grand Prix and the resulting internal discussions highlight the growing challenges Ferrari faces as they aim to return to championship contention. As Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren continue to push forward, Ferrari must navigate both technical and organizational hurdles to reclaim their position at the front of Formula 1.
