Ferrari chairman John Elkann has set out the Scuderia’s stance for Formula 1’s 2026 ruleset, urging unity and focus after a 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations. Speaking to shareholders in Amsterdam, he framed the coming season as a reset and a chance to demonstrate lessons learned from the previous year.
Elkann had taken a hard line during last season as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc voiced concerns over the SF-25, telling the pair to "focus on driving" and "talk less." He also underlined the importance of cohesion across Ferrari’s programs, saying, "Ferrari wins when it is united."
Addressing investors, Elkann said Ferrari understands "that racing is also about learning and improving," before turning to the impact of the new regulations. "After a season that fell short of our ambitions, in 2026, we embarked on a new championship under new rules. We are approaching it with unity and determination, focused on the work needed to come back stronger."
He again drew on Ferrari’s recent triumphs in endurance racing to illustrate that point. "November 8 [the date of the season finale in Bahrain] was a moment of pure joy for all of us and for fans around the world. Fifty years after our last overall world title in endurance racing, Ferrari has clinched both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The excitement is clear to see on our faces. It is the result of talent and teamwork, at the end of a season that also saw the 499P secure a third consecutive victory at Le Mans – another extraordinary milestone in our history."
While Ferrari has shown a return to form under the new F1 regulations, the team remains some way behind Mercedes in the early phases of this rules cycle. Hamilton and Leclerc have started 2026 strongly, with the Scuderia currently viewed as second in the early-season order.
Ferrari’s chief executive, Benedetto Vigna, reinforced that only winning will satisfy the marque. "In the world of racing, our goal remains simple: we race to win. We are expanding our competitive arena to include endurance racing, whilst reaffirming our full commitment to the World Endurance Championship and Formula 1. 2025 marked the start of a new strategic cycle."
Outlining broader ambitions, Vigna added: "At the Capital Markets Day on October 9 in Maranello, we presented our ambitions for 2030. In the ‘Sports Cars’ segment, we will continue to safeguard exclusivity through horizontal product diversification, with an average of four new models per year between 2026 and 2030, including petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. In the ‘Lifestyle’ segment, we will continue to enhance the customer experience and broaden our reach beyond fans and Ferrari enthusiasts."
With the competitive order still taking shape, Mercedes has positioned itself as the early frontrunner. However, with engine regulations continuing to evolve, any advantage could be eroded quickly, and Ferrari has prepared to capitalize if opportunities arise. Development and upgrades will be critical to sustain momentum and close the gap.
What to watch next: whether Ferrari can convert early-season consistency into victories as the 2026 ruleset beds in, and how its upgrade cadence stacks up against Mercedes over the coming rounds.
Source: motorsportweek.com