Analyst warns of 'changes' if Ferrari can't deliver 'big leaps' in 2026

12:02, 23 Dec

Updated: 13:17, 23 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

After a difficult season, former IndyCar driver and current analyst James Hinchcliffe expects 'changes' at Ferrari if 2026 turns out to be another lackluster campaign for the team.

"2026 offers a huge opportunity for the Scuderia, but should they fall short of expectations I would imagine a very different-looking Ferrari by 2027."

- James Hinchcliffe

Ferrari had a year to forget in 2025. The Scuderia failed to score a single Grand Prix victory, and finished fourth in the constructors' standings.

According to Hinchcliffe, the Italian team has to do better in 2026.

He explained on F1.com: "No two ways about it. Charles Leclerc did his part to salvage the odd result, but the car and the team need to be better next season."

Lewis Hamilton driving the SF-25 in Brazil - Photo: Race Pictures

Lewis Hamilton had a challenging debut year with Ferrari as well. His highlight was scoring the team’s first Sprint victory at the Chinese GP.

Hinchcliffe continued: "Lewis Hamilton’s season was tough to watch, and much work needs to be done internally to get the seven-time champ to a place where he can perform at his best.

"The odd time the car was to his liking, we saw flashes of old Lewis, but from top to bottom big leaps are needed.

"2026 offers a huge opportunity for the Scuderia, but should they fall short of expectations I would imagine a very different-looking Ferrari by 2027."

Hamilton glad to see the ground-effect cars go

The seven-time remained cautious about the upcoming regulation change in Abu Dhabi.

However, he is glad to see the previous generation go. Hamilton said: "This generation was probably the worst one, I would say, and I’m praying that the next one is not worse."

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