With the first third of the 2025 Formula 1 season now complete, it is time to begin early assessments. Ferrari’s future hangs in the balance, and the coming month will be crucial in deciding whether to focus on upcoming updates or shift entirely toward 2026.
The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona provided some interesting insights. The Technical Directive TD018 on flexible wings does not seem to have reshuffled the balance of power, contrary to what many teams, Ferrari in particular, had hoped. The Maranello squad genuinely believed this new rule could weaken the excellent MCL39. Things did not go as expected, and now it is time for Ferrari to reflect.
The SF-25, touted as the car meant to bring the Prancing Horse back to glory, is proving to be unfit for that role. The problems are known: a mechanical setup that doesn’t allow the use of the ride heights envisioned in the initial design, and a concept with very little margin for adjustment. While updates are on the way, the future remains uncertain, and thoughts are already shifting toward 2026.
Summer updates are scheduled to arrive
Ferrari’s pool of engineers and technicians has been working for some time to resolve the SF-25’s problems. A new suspension is expected to debut at Silverstone, along with a revised bodywork package including sidepods, floor, and engine cover. Last year proved that nothing is impossible, but a quick glance at the current standings—nearly 100 points behind in the Drivers’ Championship and almost 200 in the Constructors’, makes a comeback unlikely, even with 15 races to go.
There is also no guarantee that the aerodynamic updates will work as expected. Ferrari has made mistakes before, like with last year’s mid-season developments. These new upgrades represent yet another variable, highlighting how hard it will be to close the gap to McLaren. Moreover, the Woking-based team won’t be standing still, Andrea Stella’s squad also has updates planned, and they rarely miss their mark.
Belief in a comeback is fading, and some are already looking to 2026
This makes Ferrari’s climb back up the rankings even harder. And although Fred Vasseur is trying to rally the team, some, Lewis Hamilton chief among them, believe it is smarter to look ahead. The 2026 Formula 1 regulations will bring major changes: active aerodynamics, lighter cars, flat floors, and new engines. As the seven-time world champion hinted to the media during the Spanish GP, redirecting resources toward 2026 may be wiser than continuing to pour energy into a failed project.
It is a strong stance, but one that reflects harsh reality. When Lewis Hamilton arrived in January, expectations were sky-high—everyone expected to see a dominant Ferrari. That hasn’t happened, and Lewis Hamilton’s resignation has become evident in interviews, where he appears dejected and noticeably less motivated than his Maranello teammate.
Unfortunately, Lewis Hamilton’s statements don’t sound like they stem from frustration or anger. Rather, it’s time to face facts: the SF-25 is nearly a failed project in every respect. As has so often been the case in recent years, abandoning the planned updates and focusing fully on 2026 now seems like the wisest choice.
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