For Ferrari, this year started with the highest expectations. The Maranello team was coming off a second-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, and the arrival of Lewis Hamilton had brought a fresh wave of energy. Many believed they could secure both World Championships, and this optimism extended to the passionate Tifosi.
A harsh season after 21 races
After 21 races, however, the balance sheet is harsh. The Prancing Horse has yet to claim a race win, smiling only thanks to Charles Leclerc’s pole position and the seven podium finishes of the Monegasque driver. Meanwhile, in the other side of the garage, the seven-time world champion alternates moments of brilliance with disappointing performances—and unfortunately, the latter tend to prevail. It appears he has quietly surrendered to the circumstances, with all his energies, and those of the team, seemingly focused on laying the groundwork for 2026.
The fading allure of Maranello
It has been 18 years since a major trophy arrived in Maranello, for a variety of reasons that we can only speculate about. Unfortunately, Ferrari is no longer the shining star of the grid, the place everyone dreams of joining. On the contrary, those who leave often achieve great success elsewhere, as in the cases of Andrea Stella and Laurent Mekies. Engineer Luigi Mazzola explained to Race Anatomy: “In Formula 1, there is a constant flow of engineers and drivers. When Sebastian Vettel moved to another team, he spoke openly, as did Fernando Alonso, David Sanchez, James Allison, and Enrico Cardile. Everyone in the paddock knows the situation at Ferrari, and that is one of the reasons why not everyone accepts a move there.” – the former Ferrari team member pointed out.
