Scuderia Ferrari is approaching the 2026 Formula 1 campaign with immense pressure, facing a series of pivotal decisions that will define the iconic team's future. Team principal Frederic Vasseur must navigate a complex web of driver contracts and team dynamics in what is being viewed as a make-or-break year for the Maranello outfit.
The Hamilton Conundrum and Engineering Shake-Up
The future of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is under intense scrutiny following a challenging 2025 season. The British driver, who will be 41 at the start of the 2026 campaign, struggled to replicate his legendary form. While his status in the sport currently safeguards his seat, Ferrari management may be forced to reconsider their commitment if significant improvements are not evident in the first half of 2026.
Compounding this dilemma is a potential shake-up within Hamilton's engineering team. In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Vasseur indicated that Ferrari would not rule out changes to the driver's core support group for the 2026 season. This places a spotlight on race engineer Riccardo Adami, who previously worked with Carlos Sainz and faced criticism over his communication with Hamilton throughout last year.
Securing Leclerc and the Bearman Promise
Alongside the Hamilton question lies the critical mission of retaining Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver reportedly sees the 2026 season as pivotal for his career with the Scuderia, leading to internal concerns that he could seek a move to a rival team if progress stalls. Vasseur's primary objective is to rebuild Leclerc's confidence and secure him to a new long-term deal to prevent a catastrophic loss of top-tier talent.
The situation is further complicated by the rising star within Ferrari's academy, Oliver Bearman. The 20-year-old British prodigy is entering the final year of his contract with Haas in 2026 and is expecting a clear pathway to a full-time Ferrari race seat. If Vasseur cannot guarantee Bearman a promotion for the 2027 season by the end of this coming year, the team risks losing one of its most promising young drivers to another manufacturer.
Reserve Driver Vacancy and Academy Talent
Ferrari also has an immediate vacancy to fill following Zhou Guanyu's departure to the new Cadillac project. The team urgently requires a new reserve driver to support its F1 operations. Dino Beganovic is considered a strong candidate for the role, while another academy prospect, Rafael Camara, is making a compelling case as he prepares for his first full Formula Two championship campaign.
The cumulative weight of these decisions creates a defining moment for Frederic Vasseur's leadership. The 2026 season is not just about building a car capable of fighting for a World Championship; it is about making astute, long-term personnel choices that will either set Ferrari on a path back to glory or see it lose key assets in an intensely competitive market.
