Ferrari issue F1 car warning: 'We must be careful'

Ferrari deputy team principal Jerome D'Ambrosio has stated people must be “careful” assuming the Italian squad's car is built to suit one particular driver.

Lewis Hamilton has struggled for form since joining Ferrari this year and is still awaiting his first podium with the team.

Charles Leclerc, who is a seven-season Ferrari veteran, has enjoyed a more competitive run with four podiums to his name in the opening 12 rounds.

Hamilton has called on the development focus to be shifted to the 2026 car, which is being built under a fresh set of technical regulations.

Hamilton is hopeful of having some of his DNA in the construction as he targets a record-breaking eighth F1 title.

D'Ambrosio asserted Ferrari's primary goal is to build the fastest and most competitive car possible, rather than build it to one driver's particular preference.

“Loic [Serra] at the moment and the whole team are working, talking about the 2026 project, in building the fastest car,” D'Ambrosio told media including RacingNews365.

“There are some objective metrics of what you're trying to do to do that.

“There’s a second phase in making sure that drivers have tools to balance and fine-tune it in a way that suits them.

“To a certain extent. We have to be careful when we say that a car is built around this or that.

“The car is always built around trying to extract maximum potential, to have maximum downforce.”

Serra has worked with Ferrari since late last year and is heading the construction of next year's competitor.

Prior to his role at Ferrari, Serra worked closely with Hamilton at Mercedes for several seasons.

D'Ambrosio asserted Hamilton's previous experience with Serra is an advantage but highlighted their strong relationship is not exclusive.

“In terms of relationships and communications, the fact that Loic [Serra] worked with Lewis for several years at Mercedes obviously helps with communication,” he said.

“But Loic has a great relationship with Charles. We all do.

“A few of times a year, we sit down with both drivers, discuss everything, put everything on the table, and try to understand what their needs are and how do we translate them into development?

“The point is that we are working, we are trying to improve the performance of the car in different areas, and that is what we are focusing on as much as possible: the result on the track, and the positioning compared to the competition, are ultimately the result of a process. You have to focus on a process.”