Domenicali Urges Ferrari to Forge Clear Path to 2026 F1 Success
Ferrari must develop a concrete strategy and cultivate a winning atmosphere as it prepares for the significant regulation changes coming in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team endured a challenging 2025 campaign, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship without a single race victory, and saw new driver Lewis Hamilton struggle to reach the podium.
The pressure is mounting on the Prancing Horse to deliver a championship-contending car. Driver Charles Leclerc recently stated, “it’s now or never” for Ferrari to achieve its ambitions.
Addressing a Disappointing 2025
Stefano Domenicali, who previously served as Ferrari team principal from 2008 to 2014, emphasized the need for a proactive approach. “I’m a positive guy. There’s no need to cry, there’s no need to always be negative. They need to have a plan,” he told Sky Sports News. He expressed confidence in the current leadership, including team principal Fred Vasseur, and Leclerc, stating, “I’m sure Fred, Lewis and Charles have a plan and that’s what is important.”
Domenicali stressed the importance of resilience and ambition, urging Ferrari not to accept mediocrity. “I think it’s important to react, not to fade away and for it to be normal to be fourth in the championship,” he said. “We want to have a strong Ferrari. They deserve to be in a stronger position.”
Navigating the 2026 Regulation Shift
The upcoming 2026 season will feature sweeping technical changes, creating both opportunities and uncertainties for all teams. Domenicali acknowledged the evolving landscape, noting, “Everyone is talking [about 2026], but no one knows where they are.” He anticipates significant development throughout the season, adding, “If you saw what happened last year, everyone was already knowing what was happening in the future, stay tuned because every race there will be an evolution.”
Norris’s Momentum and the Importance of Positivity
Domenicali also highlighted the positive energy surrounding reigning champion Lando Norris, who will begin the 2026 season with McLaren. He revealed a piece of advice he frequently offers the young driver: “I told Lando to keep smiling.”
“You need to have positive energy,” Domenicali continued. “Sometimes, they are young, so they are doing an incredible job. They are a role model for a lot of people so they need to remember that they are a unique talent.” Norris secured his first Drivers’ Championship in 2025, overcoming challenges from both his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen in a thrilling title decider.
F1’s Continued Growth
Domenicali expressed optimism about the overall health of Formula 1, describing 2025 as “phenomenal” with significant interest from commercial partners. He emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum, stating, “We want to make sure that we feel this energy now, to make sure that we keep growing our sport at all levels with the fact that everyone is important to grow this sport.” He hopes to see this positive trend continue into 2026 and beyond.
Fans can watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8, and stream coverage with NOW.
