Ferrari has had a challenging start to the 2025 racing season, with only 35 points and a single sprint race win. Their expectations soared with the inclusion of Lewis Hamilton, anticipating a strong title battle. In reality, their competitive edge has been less impactful than hoped.
Charles Leclerc and Hamilton both believe in the SF-25’s untapped potential, suggesting it could become competitive later in the season. Reports from Corriere indicate Ferrari plans to introduce upgrades at the upcoming Bahrain race. Team principal Fred Vasseur has indicated that these upgrades include a redesigned floor, which could enhance the car’s performance if successful, as anticipated by Leclerc and Hamilton.
Despite their optimism, neither Hamilton nor Leclerc expects immediate race-winning capabilities from the SF-25. Vasseur has acknowledged the necessity of resolving existing issues before fully harnessing the benefits of the upgrades. “They [upgrades] will arrive soon. But before we bring new features and raise the performance level, we need to fix the balance problems we had,” Vasseur commented following the Japanese Grand Prix.
Challenges and Strategy
Vasseur’s concerns center around the rear axle stiffness, highlighted by both Hamilton and Leclerc. Leclerc noted during the Chinese Grand Prix that the team was losing approximately three-tenths of a second to McLaren, suggesting issues beyond the rear axle.
Ferrari aims to resolve these stability and rigidity issues with new parts in Bahrain. Previous hasty upgrades, like those in Spain last year, misaligned with simulation and wind tunnel data, necessitating a rollback until a successful package in Monza.
The Italian team remains cautious, understanding the risk of further complicating an already difficult season. Ferrari lags 76 points behind McLaren, positioned fourth in the Constructors’ standings. Rapid improvements are crucial; otherwise, they might need to redirect focus to the next season prematurely—a prospect disheartening for Ferrari.
Looking Ahead with Leclerc and Hamilton
Optimism rests on Leclerc and Hamilton’s belief in the upgrade’s potential. Charles Leclerc remains a central figure in Ferrari’s onward journey, pivotal in executing the turnaround plan. Should they overcome their current challenges, the duo could push Ferrari closer to the frontrunners.
As Ferrari gears up for Bahrain, the racing world awaits to see if Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton can lead their team back into contention. The upgrades promise hope, yet significant hurdles remain, challenging Ferrari to balance urgency with precision.
