How Ferrari’s Marina Bay set-up decision backfired, directly causing Lewis Hamilton’s penalty. Ferrari’s 2025 F1 season struggles continue as technical compromises and strategic choices.

Ferrari’s 2025 struggles deepen as technical compromises and strategic choices limit performance

Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign has been defined by a series of difficult decisions that have seen the Scuderia fail to secure a single Grand Prix victory. Once considered serious contenders for the Constructors’ Championship, Fred Vasseur’s team now finds itself frequently targeting podium finishes rather than wins, as the season’s technical and strategic miscalculations continue to take their toll.

Looking ahead to 2026, there is hope within Ferrari that the switch to a pull-rod suspension during the winter break could restore competitiveness. However, this transition has contributed to a significant dip in form, with the SF-25 underperforming in comparison to its rivals. Charles Leclerc, who closed the 2024 Formula 1 season in outstanding form, has not finished in the top three since Spa-Francorchamps, while Lewis Hamilton is still searching for his first podium with the Scuderia.

The Italian media reacted sharply to Ferrari’s sixth and eighth-place finishes at the Singapore Grand Prix, reflecting the growing concern about the team’s trajectory. Leclerc reportedly acknowledged that Ferrari is unlikely to win a race in 2025, raising broader questions about the team’s readiness for the upcoming regulation changes in 2026.

Singapore GP highlights Ferrari’s technical and strategic struggles

In Singapore, Lewis Hamilton initially showed signs of pace on the soft tyres late in the race, engaging in a battle with Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. However, by the closing laps, the seven-time World Champion was effectively nursing the car around the circuit, attempting to avoid further penalties and being overtaken by Fernando Alonso. In doing so, Hamilton cut corners and ultimately received a five-second penalty, further damaging Ferrari’s race result.

According to a detailed technical analysis from the Italian media, a key factor in Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s struggles was Ferrari’s choice of smaller brake discs. While these are designed to improve aerodynamics by reducing drag, the compromise proved detrimental in Singapore. The reduced size meant the brakes degraded faster than competitors’ units, forcing both drivers to adopt conservative lift-and-coast techniques for most of the race. Lewis Hamilton, however, attempted to push the limits to maximize the soft tyres’ potential, which contributed to his eventual penalty.

The Monegasque driver reportedly highlighted that Ferrari’s two-stop strategy for his Maranello teammate placed him in a difficult position. Although it allowed him to push harder at certain stages, brake issues from the outset hindered his ability to manage the car effectively while chasing Antonelli. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso capitalized on the situation, closing a significant gap in the final laps and further compounding Ferrari’s misfortune.

Implications for Ferrari’s driver and technical future

With the 2025 season drawing to a close, attention is increasingly turning toward 2026 and Ferrari’s long-term plans. One key concern is whether the team can return to winning form under the new technical regulations. Another pressing issue is the potential future of the driver lineup. Reports suggest that Charles Leclerc’s management has begun exploring opportunities with other teams, including Red Bull, signaling uncertainty over his commitment if Ferrari remains off the pace.

Lewis Hamilton retains control over an extension clause in his contract, but the prospect of remaining at a struggling Ferrari could impact his legacy, raising questions about his long-term role with the team. Ferrari is reportedly evaluating potential replacements for 2027, with Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto mentioned as a candidate. The Scuderia has a historical affinity for Brazilian drivers, recalling the successes of Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa, despite the notable absence of Ayrton Senna in the 1990s.

Another high-profile name linked to Ferrari is Oscar Piastri, following a tense race in Singapore for McLaren. If Ferrari were to retain either Leclerc or Hamilton alongside Piastri, it could significantly strengthen the team. However, if both current drivers depart, the Australian would face the substantial challenge of rebuilding one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams while navigating high expectations and internal pressures at Maranello.