Ferrari is reportedly preparing a major redesign of its Formula 1 car for the 2026 season, signalling a complete shift in its engineering philosophy. According to Italian reports, the Maranello-based team is planning to move away from its current approach to address persistent weaknesses in the SF-25, particularly its troublesome rear suspension. This issue has forced the team to make aerodynamic compromises, hampering downforce and consistency throughout the season. Although Ferrari has shown improvement with recent updates, it’s already focusing heavily on the upcoming technical regulations.
Sources indicate that Ferrari intends to abandon its double pull-rod suspension setup, opting instead for a rear push-rod design — a configuration it hasn’t used since the 2010 F10, the car that nearly delivered Fernando Alonso his third championship. The change marks a bold step in Ferrari’s pursuit of renewed competitiveness and could be pivotal under the sweeping 2026 Formula 1 rule changes. With this strategic shift, Ferrari hopes to regain lost ground to Red Bull and Mercedes, setting a fresh course for the next era of racing.
Meanwhile, former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has sharply criticised Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, calling it “a financial marketing project” rather than a sporting success. In an interview with Sport.de, Ecclestone remarked that Hamilton joined Ferrari dreaming of another world title but has instead been met with disappointment. The 95-year-old suggested that while Hamilton remains one of the top drivers of the past decade, he no longer commands the dominance he once enjoyed at Mercedes.
Ecclestone didn’t hold back on Ferrari’s management either, arguing that the team’s leadership under Frederic Vasseur lacks the decisive authority that defined Ferrari’s golden years. He claimed that internal politics continue to weaken the Scuderia’s ability to compete at the top level, saying bluntly that “Ferrari needs a dictator to be successful.” His comments have reignited debate about the direction and discipline of the iconic team as it seeks to rebuild its legacy.
The day’s Formula 1 roundup concludes with GPblog’s latest F1 Paddock Update, which highlights ongoing developments across the grid — from Oscar Piastri’s struggles in a wounded McLaren to speculation about future driver moves for 2026. With the Brazilian Grand Prix approaching and unpredictable weather expected once again, all eyes are on Ferrari’s performance and Hamilton’s ability to silence his critics amid growing scrutiny of both his and the team’s prospects.
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