As the Formula 1 circus gears up for the United States Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari finds itself in an unenviable position, seemingly marooned in the midfield. Driver Charles Leclerc`s recent candid assessment speaks volumes: “At the moment it just feels like we are passengers to the car.” This sentiment encapsulates a season that has slipped from championship aspirations to a sobering battle for relevance.
The Singapore Wake-Up Call
The Marina Bay Street Circuit, known for its demanding nature and intense heat, served as a stark reminder of Ferrari`s current predicament. Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc finished a distant sixth, trailing George Russell`s race-winning Mercedes by a staggering 46 seconds. It was a race plagued by brake issues for Ferrari, a mechanical malady that further exacerbated their performance deficit.
This struggle wasn`t an isolated incident. While Ferrari wrestled with their machinery, rivals Mercedes and Red Bull demonstrated a resurgent form, claiming first and second places in Singapore, mirroring a reverse performance in Azerbaijan just two weeks prior. These results underscore a worrying trend for the Maranello squad: while competitors are accelerating, Ferrari appears to be treading water.
The Elusive “Step”: Where Rivals Found Pace, Ferrari Stalled
Leclerc`s frustration stems from a palpable difference in development trajectories. He points to a “step” made by Mercedes, mirroring Red Bull`s earlier advancements at Monza. This isn`t mere conjecture; it`s a tangible reality visible on the track. Despite the general expectation that teams would halt major performance upgrades this late in the 2025 season, given the seismic regulation changes looming for 2026, key rivals have defied convention:
- Red Bull: Introduced a crucial floor upgrade at Monza, followed by low-downforce rear-wing modifications in Baku, and a new front wing for improved downforce in Singapore. These enhancements have significantly refined their RB21 package.
- Mercedes: Systematically revised their front wing across the last two race weekends, unlocking critical performance.
These strategic upgrades have allowed Mercedes and Red Bull to not only challenge but often surpass the previously dominant McLaren, who have already secured the Constructors` Championship in Singapore. For Ferrari, however, similar breakthroughs have been conspicuously absent. The team that once commanded respect for its technical prowess now watches from a frustrating distance.
A Stark Numerical Reality: Ferrari as the “Fourth Team”
Leclerc`s assessment of Ferrari as “solidly the fourth team” isn`t an emotional outburst but a cold, hard fact supported by recent data. An analysis of points scored over the last four races paints a grim picture:
| Team | Points Scored (Last 4 Races) |
|---|---|
| Red Bull | 96 |
| McLaren | 91 |
| Mercedes | 89 |
| Ferrari | 38 |
| Williams | 32 |
The gap is undeniable. Ferrari`s 38 points are not only dwarfed by the top three but barely edge out Williams, a team traditionally at the back of the grid. This statistical chasm underscores the urgent need for a turnaround that, according to Leclerc, seems increasingly improbable for the remainder of the season.
“Unfortunately, we are now the fourth team and solidly the fourth team,” Leclerc lamented. “Quite far behind the top three. Mercedes managed to do the step Red Bull did in Monza. We didn’t manage to do that so it’s going to be a long end to the season.”
North American Double Header: A Haunting Anniversary?
As Formula 1 heads to the USA-Mexico double header, the irony is palpable. These were the very venues where Ferrari celebrated their most recent Grand Prix victories last year. A winless anniversary looms, a stark reminder of how far the Scuderia has fallen in just one season. For a team steeped in racing history and a legion of passionate fans (the Tifosi), this regression is nothing short of heartbreaking.
The remaining six race weekends of the 2025 season present a critical juncture. Can Ferrari somehow salvage pride, or are they truly resigned to merely being “passengers” until the curtain falls on this forgettable campaign? The task is immense, the pressure unrelenting, and the answers remain elusive. The passionate red cars, once symbols of victory, now represent a painful struggle for form, leaving many to wonder what strategies, if any, can pull them back from the brink of a thoroughly disappointing season.
