Ferrari heir Piero Ferrari has refrained from making any predictions about the Italian racing team clinching a championship title, despite rising anticipation that Ferrari could end its long title drought with new regulations in 2026. Although Ferrari has not secured a drivers’ championship since 2007 or a constructors’ crown since 2008, the team’s strong performance during recent winter testing has positioned them as early contenders alongside Mercedes.
Uncertainty Surrounds Ferrari’s Prospects Under New Regulations
Piero Ferrari emphasized the challenge in forecasting success under the upcoming technical changes. He told Corriere dello Sport,
“Let’s keep trying with all our might, but with the new regulations, don’t ask me for a prediction.”
His cautious stance reflects the unpredictable nature of the changes set for the 2026 season, despite hopeful signs from the team’s testing sessions.
Faith in Charles Leclerc’s Talent and Potential
Much of Ferrari’s confidence stems from their lead driver Charles Leclerc, whose speed and consistency have been evident throughout his career. Piero Ferrari praised Leclerc’s capabilities, stating,
“Yes, he’s a very fast driver. His comparisons with teammates have shown this. He extracts performance from any car at any time.”
He added,
“For me, he’s a given. All we need now is the satisfaction of seeing him become world champion, because he deserves it.”
Leclerc’s future with Ferrari remains a key factor in whether the team can finally secure a title.
Mixed Reflections on Lewis Hamilton’s Time at Ferrari
The arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025 has been met with challenges, leading to comparisons with other champions who faced struggles after joining the iconic team. Ferrari acknowledged the emotional impact of the team’s legacy on drivers, saying,
“Yes, I think Ferrari emotionally moves something even in great champions.”
Regarding Hamilton, Piero Ferrari commented,
“Lewis is profoundly different from Charles, but I struggle to say whether he’s been overshadowed by the legend of the Prancing Horse.”
Potential for Future Italian Talent
Looking ahead, Ferrari expressed hope for a new Italian driver entering the team. When asked about Kimi Antonelli’s prospects, he said, “It’s not forbidden to dream.” Piero Ferrari further stated,
“Antonelli has already proven he deserves top-flight cars. With a little experience, he will certainly become a great driver.”
This indicates Ferrari’s openness to cultivating national talent alongside their current lineup.
Winter Testing Provides Limited Insights, Says Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, reflecting on the recent winter tests, admitted that they revealed little about the true competitive hierarchy. Speaking with Corriere della Sera, he remarked,
“The tests revealed little. Everyone was hiding with fuel loads.”
Hamilton added with a smile,
“I even called Toto Wolff and Zak Brown to try to understand what they understood – but I didn’t get any results.”
This underscores the strategic secrecy teams are employing before the 2026 season.
Support for New 2026 Technical Rules Amid Criticism
Despite some criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen, Piero Ferrari defended the upcoming 2026 regulations. He explained,
“Testing has shown these cars require understanding. You need to know how to manage energy, but they are more predictable than the ground-effect cars.”
He recalled his father’s perspective, saying,
“My father would have said ‘They’re more honest’. Personally, I’m convinced the show won’t suffer – on the contrary.”
Ferrari’s approval suggests confidence that the new rules will maintain competitive racing.
Ferrari’s Commitment to Electrification
Reflecting Ferrari’s broader goals beyond racing, Piero Ferrari stressed the importance of embracing electric technology within the company’s road cars. He commented,
“It was necessary to produce an electric Ferrari. We must keep pace with new technologies.”
This statement highlights Ferrari’s ongoing shift towards sustainable innovation alongside their motorsport ambitions.
