Ferrari already know exactly who to blame if their 2026 Formula 1 car is a bust

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Ferrari’s SF-25 project was a failure. The car may have scored seven podiums in the hands of Charles Leclerc, but it didn’t win a single race.

Fundamentally, the design was flawed. Ferrari had to lift the car above its optimal ride height to protect the underbody and avoid a disqualification for excessive wear.

After Lewis Hamilton was thrown out of the Chinese GP for such a breach, the Scuderia adopted a more cautious approach that cost them lap time.

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Ferrari have made Enrico Cardile the scapegoat for these problems. Cardile was behind the initial concept but decided not to see it through, instead agreeing to join Aston Martin.

Ferrari lost key power unit engineers at a critical time

With Cardile on his way out and Loic Serra unable to start work until the autumn of 2024, there was a damaging interregnum in the Ferrari technical department. Team principal Fred Vasseur had to run it on an interim basis.

One can see how this may have contributed to the missteps with the SF-25. And the problem may now be repeating itself.

Ferrari have lost key power unit engineers in the lead up to 2026, most notably head of development Wolf Zimmerman and deputy Lars Schmidt. Both were poached by F1 newcomers Audi.

While they have been replaced, the disruption at Maranello is a concern. If Ferrari end up behind Mercedes in the engine department, they may point towards these departures as an explanation.

Early noises about Ferrari engine are not ‘encouraging’

According to Julianne Cerasoli of UOL, the outlook for Ferrari’s 2026 engine ‘isn’t very encouraging’. Teams who are lacking horsepower will be afforded greater development opportunities, but this will take time to bear fruit.

At this stage of the year, it’s all about rumours. Reports elsewhere suggest Ferrari’s power unit is performing well in bench testing.

While the first pre-season test in Barcelona this month takes place behind closed doors, there are two public tests scheduled for Bahrain in February. Ferrari will reveal their 2026 livery on 23 January.