Why is Ferrari's Performance Integral to the Success of Formula 1?

Ferrari is a huge name and its success has helped shape the history of Formula 1. As the sport evolves under new technical regulations for 2026, the Scuderia’s performance remains important to the success of F1. For fans, teams, and sponsors, Ferrari’s competitiveness has ripple effects across the championship.

Ferrari draws attention

Ferrari has a global fanbase unmatched by most teams. For many fans, seeing the prancing horse at the sharp end of races is a reason to tune in. Ferrari’s heritage gives fans a story to follow; even in less successful years, there’s a sense of anticipation that the team might rebound. When there’s news around Ferrari, viewership spikes and the buzz on social media buzz increases.

Unsurprisingly, broadcasters, advertisers and host venues benefit from these stories. Ferrari’s brand appeals to more casual fans as well as F1 diehards. Its historical success, not least in the Michael Schumacher era, and iconic status means it’s at the center of media coverage.

Competition

A strong Ferrari often pushes other teams to improve. Rival teams use the performance benchmark set by Ferrari to gauge their own development. When the Italian team is at the front, it lifts the overall standard of the field and encourages innovation across the grid.

When Ferrari struggles, it can affect the perception of competition. Ferrari’s 2025 season was its worst in years, with their car widely criticized. Ferrari failed to win a race all season. F1 chief Stefano Domenicali, who was Ferrari team principal for six years, has said that F1 wants Ferrari to have a better season and that it “deserves to be in a stronger position”.

The current Drivers Championship odds suggest that 2026 may be a close-run season between Max Verstappen and George Russell. Long-time Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is considered an outside bet. His teammate Lewis Hamilton is even more of an underdog, at around 34/1 on most sportsbooks. Fans may wish to use odds comparison tools like Betstamp to find the best prices available.

Ferrari’s performance affects driver careers and storylines

Top drivers want to compete for world championships. Ferrari’s reputation and history make it an attractive destination for the biggest names; the high-profile partnership with Hamilton highlight how Ferrari make headlines even when the team and their drivers aren’t in their most successful eras. Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari was challenging, and pundits like Nico Rosberg (a former teammate of Hamilton) have noted how tough that experience was for a driver of his calibre. Rosberg said that the changing regulations would be Hamilton’s “huge hope” in 2026 and could offer a reset.

Technical development

Ferrari’s engineering and development has always influenced how technology progresses in F1. The team’s approach to new regulations is always scrutinized and often copied or countered by rivals. With the major 2026 regulation overhaul changing aerodynamics and power units, Ferrari’s strategic choices matter even more.

Ferrari released footage of its new engine shortly ahead of the season. Leclerc and Hamilton were in attendance for the engine’s first roar, with Hamilton filming on his phone.

Last word

While there may be an element of nostalgia, Ferrari’s role in F1 remains central also because its performance affects competition, audience engagement and the technical evolution of the sport.