Ferrari told the “main goal” it must achieve to win the Formula 1 world title again. Ferrari has been told its path back to Formula 1 glory depends on one crucial objective.

Scuderia Ferrari must focus on a single, clear objective if it truly wants to return to winning ways in Formula 1. The Maranello-based team has not won a world championship since 2007, and more than ever, it seems to lack a strong figure capable of leading the team back to the top. According to former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, there is one priority the team cannot afford to ignore if it wants to bring glory back to the Prancing Horse.

Speculation continues to swirl around Ferrari, with various rumors also concerning team principal Frédéric Vasseur. Some believe that Loïc Serra may have taken the wrong direction with the SF-25’s development, focusing too much on the rear suspension and slowing down aerodynamic upgrades. The 2026 season is already shaping up to be a decisive year — not only for the French manager but also for the reputation of Ferrari’s top management.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has repeatedly expressed his commitment to restoring the Italian team to greatness. Yet, as Johnny Herbert pointed out during an interview with Betting Lounge, there is only one true goal Ferrari should pursue if it wants to turn its fortunes around.

Herbert: “Ferrari needs leadership that can attract the right people”

“Ferrari’s main objective should be Christian Horner,” explained Herbert. “The drivers are not the problem — it’s the car that lacks speed. They still haven’t managed to attract the kind of people they need to build a truly competitive machine. When Adrian Newey left McLaren, Horner convinced him to take on the challenge at Red Bull and created an environment where Newey could breathe and thrive. When you put someone like Newey in those conditions, you get the very best from him. That’s exactly what Ferrari has not managed to do.”

Johnny Herbert added that the real issue lies in management. “They’re missing a leader. The management needs to be able to attract the right person and then give them the freedom to do what they want. I know Vasseur recently signed a new contract, but if next year things start badly again, then they’ll have to make a change.”

For Johnny Herbert, the problem isn’t with drivers like Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton but with the team’s lack of direction and technical leadership. Ferrari’s car has shown flashes of speed but lacks the consistency and innovation required to challenge Red Bull or Mercedes over a full season.

Could Horner be the missing piece for Ferrari?

Christian Horner has often been linked to Ferrari over the years, and after the conclusion of his recent legal case, such a scenario could once again become possible. While the former Red Bull team principal is widely regarded as a proven winner, his arrival would not guarantee instant success — rebuilding Ferrari into a title-winning team would take years.

As many within the paddock point out, no single person can transform a Formula 1 team overnight. However, leadership does matter — and it’s precisely what Ferrari has been lacking for more than a decade. If the 2026 season turns out to be a disappointment, it’s entirely possible that Fred Vasseur could part ways with the team, opening the door for a new era under Christian Horner’s guidance.

John Elkann has always admired Horner’s managerial approach and winning mentality, and according to insiders, that interest has recently resurfaced. Whether Ferrari will take that step remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: to end its long championship drought, the Scuderia must find not just speed, but a true leader capable of uniting and inspiring the team once again.