Maranello is buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose as the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds. Despite some early-season challenges, particularly those voiced by new recruit Lewis Hamilton, the Scuderia is reportedly doubling down on a bold strategy aimed at unleashing the full potential of their SF-25 and establishing dominance on the grid.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur has been vocal about the team’s unwavering commitment to improving performance, especially on Saturdays. Recognizing that securing prime grid positions is paramount to converting the car’s inherent pace into race wins, Vasseur is spearheading a focused effort to optimize qualifying performance.
Reflecting on recent races, Vasseur expressed confidence in the car’s underlying speed, stating, “I believe that in the last 35-40 laps of the race, we were faster than Piastri and Verstappen.” This assertion highlights Ferrari’s belief in their car’s potential during the race itself, making qualifying prowess the crucial missing piece of the puzzle.
Charles Leclerc echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for internal improvements at Maranello rather than solely relying on external upgrades. The focus, it seems, is on fine-tuning the existing package to extract maximum performance across all phases of the race weekend.
A key aspect of this strategy involves a deep dive into the intricate relationship between car balance and tire management. Vasseur has highlighted this area as crucial for maximizing on-track performance. The team is diligently working to find the optimal setup window that will allow both drivers, Hamilton and Leclerc, to consistently extract the most from their Pirelli tires throughout the demanding race distances.
The development of the SF-25 has seen significant changes compared to its predecessor, with Ferrari reportedly overhauling 99% of the car’s components. A notable change is the switch to a pull-rod front suspension, a design choice aimed at cleaning up airflow around the car and unlocking greater aerodynamic development potential – an area the team felt was reaching its limit with the previous iteration. This aggressive redesign underscores Ferrari’s commitment to finding significant performance gains.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by top competitors like McLaren, Vasseur remains resolute. His unwavering focus on continuous improvement and his public support for Hamilton, even amidst the champion’s initial struggles, demonstrate a unified front within the team. Vasseur’s recent impassioned defense of Hamilton’s early-season form further solidifies this commitment, dismissing any notions of a crisis as “f****** b******t” and emphasizing the team’s full support in finding solutions together.
As the season progresses, the Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see if Ferrari’s bold strategy of unleashing the power within the SF-25 and mastering the art of qualifying can indeed propel them to the front of the grid and into a position of dominance. The dedication and intensity emanating from Maranello suggest that the Prancing Horse is far from done in its quest for championship glory.