Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has reaffirmed that winning remains the driving force behind the Scuderia, while confirming that preparations for the 2027 Formula 1 season are already well under way. Speaking during the presentation of Ferrari’s latest quarterly financial results, the Italian executive emphasised the importance of competition to the company’s identity and made it clear that the team remains fully committed to its racing ambitions despite another challenging campaign.
His comments come at a crucial moment for Ferrari, which must increasingly look beyond its immediate difficulties. The 2026 Formula 1 season has presented another demanding challenge for the Maranello-based team, with rivals demonstrating greater consistency and a stronger ability to interpret the technical regulations. Against that backdrop, 2027 represents an important opportunity to change direction and restore Ferrari to the level of competitiveness expected of one of Formula 1’s most prestigious teams.
Benedetto Vigna reinforces Ferrari’s commitment to winning
Benedetto Vigna began his remarks on motorsport by congratulating Andrea Kimi Antonelli, acknowledging what he described as a historic achievement for Formula 1 and Italian motor racing.
“Let’s now turn to racing. Last Sunday, in Mexico, there was a historic moment for Formula 1 and Italian motorsport, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kimi Antonelli on winning the world championship. Competition is what drives us forward.”
The recognition extended beyond the individual achievement of the newly crowned world champion. Benedetto Vigna’s emphasis on competition as a driving force carries particular significance for a Ferrari team seeking to re-establish itself among Formula 1’s leading contenders.
While Ferrari’s performance compared with its Formula 1 rivals illustrates the competitive challenge facing the Scuderia, the CEO’s comments underline the broader expectations surrounding the team’s future.
Ferrari cannot be satisfied with simply competing in Formula 1
One statement in particular stands out from Benedetto Vigna’s address: “Ferrari races. To win.”
This is more than a declaration of identity. It reflects the sporting responsibility that inevitably comes with representing the Maranello marque. Ferrari cannot regard its continued presence in Formula 1 as sufficient, nor can it be satisfied with occasional strong results. Its history, economic and sporting importance, and the expectations of its supporters demand a consistently higher level of competitiveness.
Benedetto Vigna also reiterated Ferrari’s determination to maintain its commitment across the company’s other racing programmes, particularly the World Endurance Championship, while continuing to push until the conclusion of the current season.
“Competition is what drives us forward. It raises the bar, fuels our determination and reminds us every day why Ferrari races. To win. We remain fully focused on Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, pushing to the maximum until the end of the season, while already working tirelessly towards next year.”
The message is clear: Ferrari has no intention of writing off the remainder of the 2026 campaign, but equally has no intention of waiting until the final race before directing significant attention towards its future.
Why the 2027 F1 season will be a crucial test for Ferrari
The final part of Benedetto Vigna’s statement is particularly important. The Ferrari CEO confirmed that work towards next season is already progressing at full speed. On the surface, this might appear entirely routine in a sport where development of the following year’s car begins well in advance. However, the significance is greater when considered alongside the difficulties Ferrari has encountered.
The 2027 Formula 1 season cannot simply be another championship for Maranello to contest. It must become an opportunity to demonstrate that Ferrari has identified its weaknesses, improved its decision-making processes and developed a technical project capable of supporting genuine world championship ambitions.
That challenge extends beyond producing a faster racing car. Ferrari also needs an organisational structure capable of sustaining performance throughout an entire campaign. Delivering competitive pace at selected Grands Prix is not enough, particularly when the team’s drivers may be required to compensate for shortcomings in car development, strategy or overall organisation.
The importance of developing a stronger foundation for next season has already been highlighted by the possibility that Ferrari’s 2026 technical developments could influence its 2027 Formula 1 project. Progress must translate into a more complete and consistently competitive package rather than isolated improvements.
There is also the question of how effectively Ferrari operates as a team. Recent difficulties have demonstrated that competitiveness depends not only on technical performance but also on communication, coordination and the ability to make decisions that serve the team’s wider interests. The challenges surrounding Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s working relationship ahead of 2027 form part of that broader discussion.
Importantly, Benedetto Vigna’s remarks contain no specific promises, lap-time targets or technical revelations about Ferrari’s next car. It would therefore be premature to interpret them as a guarantee that the Scuderia will return to championship contention in 2027. What they do confirm is that the following season already occupies an important place in Ferrari’s sporting and corporate planning.
Ultimately, that is the central issue facing Maranello. Ferrari does not need to keep reminding the world why it races. It needs to demonstrate that ambition on the track.
The prestige of the Ferrari name cannot replace results, just as statements of intent cannot compensate for the shortcomings of a technical project. The 2027 season must provide a response, not necessarily through bold declarations or heightened expectations, but through a Formula 1 car capable of consistently fighting for victories and, above all, the world championship.
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