Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 car, the SF-25, has struggled throughout the season due to fundamental design flaws that have hampered both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. From the early rounds, it became evident that the Scuderia were battling a car that was difficult to optimise, with setbacks occurring as early as the second Grand Prix of the year when both drivers faced disqualifications.
The Briton had initially showcased the SF-25’s potential by winning the Sprint race in China, indicating that the car had moments of competitive pace. However, his disqualification from the main race due to excessive plank wear highlighted serious regulatory compliance issues. Ferrari was forced to raise the car to meet FIA standards, sacrificing downforce and race pace in the process. As a result, drivers have had to adjust their racing techniques, frequently lifting off the throttle and coasting to preserve the car, a practice the team insists is standard across the grid but which clearly affects performance.
Despite securing seven podium finishes in 2025, Ferrari have yet to win a single race in the first 21 events, putting them at risk of finishing outside the top three in the Constructors’ Championship for only the fourth time since 1993. The team’s recurring struggles have drawn attention to the engineering leadership and the blueprint laid out for the SF-25.
Enrico Cardile’s departure blamed for Ferrari’s 2025 struggles
The origins of Ferrari’s 2025 difficulties can be traced back to the 2024 season, when the team appeared closer than ever to ending their title drought. That year, the Scuderia won five races and finished only 14 points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ standings. Yet the departure of technical director Enrico Cardile in July 2024, who moved to Aston Martin, left the SF-25 without its chief architect during a crucial development phase.
Ferrari attempted to compensate by bringing in Loic Serra from Mercedes, but his arrival came too late to meaningfully influence the SF-25’s design. Team principal Fred Vasseur stepped in as interim technical director, but juggling management responsibilities limited his ability to fully oversee the car’s technical evolution. According to Motorsport Italia, many Ferrari engineers describe the SF-25 as “Cardile’s creation,” effectively deflecting responsibility from themselves. However, this overlooks contributions from aerodynamics chief Diego Tondi and chassis head Fabio Montecchi, whose input remains critical to the car’s performance.
Hamilton’s detailed feedback sparks internal friction at Ferrari
While the engineering and pit crews have performed admirably, tensions appear to be building around the drivers. Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticised Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, instructing them to “talk less” and concentrate on driving. This statement came amid reports that some staff members had grown resentful of Lewis Hamilton’s meticulous review of team operations, which he outlined in detailed feedback documents.
Although the seven-time world champion has struggled to match Charles Leclerc’s pace on track, his insights into car performance and team processes have reportedly caused friction behind the scenes. Ralf Schumacher has suggested that John Elkann’s public reprimand may have been more directed at Charles Leclerc, especially considering rumours that the Monegasque driver is exploring opportunities with other teams for the future.
The combination of a car developed without its original technical director, internal restructuring, and growing pressure on the drivers has left Ferrari in a precarious position. With 2026 regulations on the horizon, the Scuderia must address both engineering shortcomings and team cohesion if they are to compete for race wins and championship positions once more.
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