Charles Leclerc emphasizes that Ferrari’s primary goal is to secure second place in the 2025 constructors’ championship rather than aiming for extra wind tunnel time for 2026. As of the Formula 1 summer break, Ferrari holds second place with 260 points, trailing McLaren, which leads with 559 points.
Wind Tunnel Restrictions Tied to Championship Standings
Since 2021, Formula 1 has implemented a scaled system linking wind tunnel testing allowances to constructor rankings. Teams finishing higher in the standings are allocated fewer wind tunnel hours the following year, which can impact car development. Ferrari’s position means it will likely compete with Mercedes, currently third with 236 points, and Red Bull, fourth with 194 points, for second place.
Leclerc’s Approach to Track Performance and Development Limits
At the Hungarian Grand Prix press conference, Leclerc addressed the balance between on-track results and wind tunnel usage. He said,
“I’m pretty sure it’s better to finish second than third,”
underscoring the importance of championship results over future testing advantages. He also noted,
“However, as you said, there’s also the wind tunnel time. This is not something we think of too much. When we are on track, we just want to finish as high up as possible and then we’ll deal with whatever amount of hours in the wind tunnel we have. We want to target the highest possible.”
Goals Beyond Constructor Standings
Leclerc outlined that while second place remains a key target, Ferrari’s main ambition is to win races again. He said,
“Second place in the constructors’ is one of our targets, but the biggest target is to come back to winning races as soon as possible. Wherever we finish, we’ll work from there and see how many hours we have next year.”
Current Competition Landscape for Ferrari
Regarding the competitive environment, Leclerc observed the varying performance of other teams throughout the season. He mentioned,
“Red Bull is a little bit more up and down, a bit like us and Mercedes, but there’s one constant and that is McLaren. For now, I don’t think there’s any tracks where I go to and think we will be the favourite, but I hope I’ll be surprised.”
This reflects Ferrari’s realistic yet hopeful outlook as they continue to challenge McLaren and others.
Implications for Ferrari’s Future
Ferrari’s decision to focus on maximizing 2025’s championship position rather than aiming to gain additional wind tunnel development advantage underlines the team’s determination to enhance race results directly. Securing second place would strengthen their status within the constructors’ championship and provide a solid foundation for 2026. However, maintaining competitiveness against McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull remains crucial as they prepare for the coming seasons.
