Former world champion Jenson Button warns of a culture of fear prevailing within Ferrari. Many employees are reportedly living in constant fear of being fired. With six Grands Prix remaining on the calendar, Scuderia is reflecting on a disappointing Formula 1 season. Despite the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Italian racing team is still waiting for a victory. According to Button, Ferrari’s staff is too afraid to make mistakes.
Even during the last race weekend in Singapore, Ferrari experienced several mishaps. Lewis Hamilton, who spoke of a ‘suboptimal’ team performance after qualifying, struggled with brake issues during the race and ultimately finished in a disappointing eighth place. According to former champion and analyst Button, the performance is suffering under the culture of fear within Ferrari. The staff is afraid to fail, fearing for their jobs at any moment.
Culture of Fear
“You can’t be afraid to fail – and that seems to be exactly the problem at Ferrari,” Button said in a broadcast of Sky Sports. “I get the feeling that everyone there thinks they could be fired at any moment. That’s not a pleasant feeling. You need stability and confidence within the entire team – that also reflects on the drivers.”
Button hopes that there will be more peace and continuity within Ferrari in 2026. The upcoming Formula 1 season will be decisive for the years to follow, thanks to the significant new regulations. “I hope this won’t be the case next year,” he referred to the alleged culture of fear. “It’s important that they get through the whole year as one team, because so much will change in that first race – and it will stay that way until the last race. The entire season will look completely different. Ferrari is a great team, with strong leaders. And let’s be honest, you couldn’t wish for a better line-up than Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.”
