The Italian press has unleashed scathing criticism of Ferrari following their dismal showing at the Singapore Grand Prix amid growing links that current Drivers' Championship leader Oscar Piastri is eyeing a move to the Scuderia.
Corriere dello Sport described the team's latest outing as a "disastrous performance" that "exacerbates the endless crisis of the Scuderia".
Charles Leclerc could only manage sixth place after being passed by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
Lewis Hamilton fared even worse, suffering brake problems late in the race and receiving a five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits, eventually crossing the line in eighth.
Lewis Hamilton endured yet another nightmare weekend in Singapore last week
|REUTERS
The results leave Ferrari clinging to third in the constructors' standings, just eight points clear of Red Bull whilst trailing Mercedes by 27 points.
Italian media outlets have now turned their attention to reports that McLaren's Piastri could be vying for a switch to the struggling Scuderia.
Swiss publication Blick revealed that the current championship leader is "setting his sights" on a potential departure from McLaren, with Ferrari emerging as a possible destination for the 2027 season.
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Rumours have been growing that Oscar Piastri is eyeing up a shock switch to Ferrari
|REUTERS
The speculation has gained traction following revelations about mounting tensions at Ferrari.
Corriere dello Sport noted that team principal Fred Vasseur was spotted engaged in a "very tense discussion" with a team member, whilst the outlet also highlighted how the SF-25's performance has deteriorated since introducing modifications to the rear suspension.
Despite being contracted to McLaren through to 2028, Piastri's potential move hinges on Ferrari's uncertain driver lineup beyond 2026.
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Both Hamilton and Leclerc's deals with the Scuderia expire at the conclusion of next season.
The seven-time world champion holds an option to remain for 2027, though he will be 42 years old when that campaign begins.
Meanwhile, Italian publication RMCMotori reported that Leclerc's representatives have initiated exploratory discussions with rival teams regarding opportunities from 2027 onwards.
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Fred Vasseur has overseen a chaotic season for Ferrari
|REUTERS
These circumstances could create the vacancy Piastri needs to make the switch, particularly given recent suggestions that Leclerc might depart if Ferrari's next car fails to meet his standards.
Piastri's dissatisfaction at McLaren has become increasingly apparent, particularly following incidents at recent races.
During the Singapore Grand Prix, the Australian expressed clear frustration after first-lap contact with teammate Lando Norris forced him wide, with footage later showing him cutting off CEO Zak Brown mid-sentence on team radio.
The championship leader, who currently holds a 22-point advantage over Norris, has never been directly affiliated with Ferrari.
However, he does possess indirect links to the Italian outfit through his championship-winning campaigns in Formula 2 and Formula 3 with Prema Racing, which frequently develops talent for the Scuderia.