Ferrari F1 team trapped in cycle of near-misses and internal turmoil
The Ferrari Formula 1 team continues to face a persistent cycle of disappointment, with 2025 marking the 17th consecutive season without securing either the Drivers’ Championship or the Constructors’ Championship. Despite repeated flashes of brilliance and moments of genuine promise, the Scuderia seems unable to maintain momentum when it counts most.
Over the past two decades, Ferrari has narrowly missed out on glory multiple times. Most notably, Fernando Alonso lost championship battles to Sebastian Vettel in both 2010 and 2012, while last year the team finished only 14 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings. Yet, each near success has been followed by setbacks that prevent sustained dominance. Fernando Alonso struggled against the Vettel/Red Bull juggernaut in 2011 and 2013, and Vettel himself failed to mount a serious challenge during his stint at Maranello against Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
In the 2020s, Ferrari have been unable to finish in the top two across consecutive seasons. Current projections suggest that 2025 could see them drop to fourth place, matching one of their worst performances of the decade and raising questions about their long-term strategy and competitiveness.
Ferrari staff fear taking risks amid mounting internal pressure
Reports from UOL journalist Julianne Cerasoli highlight a “climate of perpetual crisis” at Ferrari’s Maranello factory. Staff reportedly feel a constant sense of fear whenever the team struggles on track. This environment fosters hesitation, as employees worry their positions may be “hanging by a thread”, making them reluctant to take the kind of bold risks that often separate championship contenders from also-rans.
Jenson Button observed at the Singapore Grand Prix that Ferrari personnel appear to operate under intense pressure, and this assessment seems to accurately reflect the team’s current state. The stress permeates all levels of the organization, with even Fred Vasseur’s future under scrutiny despite his contract extension in June. The uncertainty surrounding leadership adds to a culture of caution and risk aversion, which can stifle innovation and decision-making.
Repeated mistakes and structural issues plague Ferrari
Links have occasionally been drawn between Ferrari and Christian Horner as a potential replacement for Fred Vasseur, though the former Red Bull team boss is reportedly not seeking a team principal role again. Nevertheless, Horner and industry insiders note that Ferrari’s core problem is its status as a “national team” carrying the weight of Italian expectations. Excessive bureaucracy and internal politics slow decision-making, leaving the team reactive rather than proactive.
Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley highlighted these issues in a recent podcast, explaining that Ferrari often prioritizes immediate results over long-term strategy. By contrast, teams like McLaren have found success by executing patient, multi-year development plans that build a solid foundation for consistent performance. Ferrari’s tendency to panic when an opportunity appears can result in hasty decisions that temporarily improve performance but fail to establish sustainable success.
This recurring pattern—making short-term gambles followed by setbacks—helps explain the Scuderia’s cycle of near-misses. Multiple team leaders over the years have attempted to reform the culture at Maranello, yet Ferrari continue to struggle with the same structural and strategic challenges. Without a decisive shift toward long-term planning, the team risks repeating this cycle for years to come, potentially eroding morale and championship prospects even further.
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