Historic Scuderia Ferrari began its journey into the new regulatory era in the worst possible way. The cars have just started racing on the track and there seems to be a feeling that the Ferrari's 2026 season will be extremely disappointing. The problem is not what is being said.
Unlike all other years, Maranello executives and technicians were unable to leak anything about the SF-26's performance. No false expectations.
Ferrari had long been asked to keep its feet on the ground. The problem, however, is that this time too much remains. They seem to have their feet under us more than any solder stuck to the ground. You'll surely think we're exaggerating… Unfortunately, the problem is that, besides the fact that there's no data to suggest a positive season for the Maranello's team, what convinces us that the season will be exactly the opposite are the constant departures, the constant changes of role within the walls of the structure.
Warning signs as early as 2025
The ones that made the most noise were certainly the departures that took place last year. That is, those of two key figures such as Wolf Zimmermann and Lars Schmidt, both engine manufacturers who moved to Audi. Simone Resta, an aerodynamic engineer who over the years supported Maranello's plans by allowing him to move from Rossa to Sauber, before returning, going to Haas and returning again, later joined them. The technician, born in Imola on September 14, 1970, decided last year to join the Mercedes cause and will hold the position of director of strategic development in 2026.
An alarming and uncontrolled brain drain that, a year into the new regulatory era, had already raised many concerns. Now, one step away from the start of the season, we found ourselves witnessing two more changes within Ferrari's ranks. This time they are not as dramatic as the others, because in any case the figures will remain within Maranello's family, but will be placed in very different positions from those they previously held. Silvia Hoffer Frangipane, the Scuderia's communications manager for 7 years, decided to move to Ferrari Corporate Communication on ’8 January, leaving the racing department.
On January 16, however, another role change occurred, this time with Riccardo Adami. A track engineer for Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz Jr. in the past, he was alongside Lewis Hamilton in his first season at Ferrari (in 2025) before being transferred to a key role within the Ferrari Driver Academy.
The last two moves wouldn't have made much noise if they had been announced at the end of the season. However, the fact that they arrive now, just days before the launch of the SF-26 and the first tests of 2026, continues to fuel doubts among those who believe that Ferrari's season and preparation for the new regulatory era could prove to be a hole in the water.
Cever photo: X, Ferrari
Internal photo: X, Ferrari
Read also in italian language: Fuga di cervelli incontrollata da Maranello. Adami solo uno dei tanti
