Ferrari’s F1 Upgrade Strategy: Aiming for Progress Amidst Tough Competition
Ferrari’s Formula 1 team may have only celebrated one podium finish so far in the 2025 season, courtesy of Charles Leclerc’s strong performance in Jeddah, but the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the year are much higher. The Scuderia is hopeful that a series of key upgrades, combined with a shift in technical regulations, will help them close the gap to their rivals and re-establish themselves as serious championship contenders.
One of the most significant changes in the upcoming races will come with the introduction of stricter front wing tests by the FIA, which will be enforced from the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of May. This is seen as a potential turning point for Ferrari, as the team anticipates substantial gains compared to other top competitors. However, despite the optimism, the Barcelona weekend is likely to be a true litmus test for the team’s progress, especially considering that their rivals, including McLaren and Mercedes, will also be rolling out their own updates.
Leclerc has voiced his belief that the clampdown on front wing flexibility will provide Ferrari with an opportunity to capitalize on potential weaknesses in their competitors’ setups. According to Leclerc, teams such as McLaren and Mercedes may have been leveraging flexible aerodynamic elements to gain an advantage, and this move by the FIA could level the playing field.
In addition to the regulatory changes, Ferrari is planning a major technical overhaul to its SF-25 car, with the first significant upgrades set to debut at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – the next race after the Miami Grand Prix. The full upgrade package is expected to be unleashed two weeks later in Barcelona, with the primary goal of improving the car’s downforce, particularly at the rear end, where instability has plagued the SF-25. This has led to issues such as reduced confidence under braking and poor corner entry, a factor that has affected drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who struggled with these characteristics in previous races.
Charles Leclerc has been better able to adapt to these challenges, adjusting his driving style to compensate for the car’s limitations. However, the team is well aware that they cannot rely solely on driver skill to bridge the performance gap. Improving the SF-25’s overall balance and handling is critical for Ferrari to remain competitive.
Performance gains are also crucial, as Ferrari has found itself trailing McLaren by 0.323 seconds on average in qualifying over the past four rounds. This gap highlights the fact that Ferrari’s new car, while an improvement over its predecessor, has not yet delivered the leap in performance that the team had hoped for. By comparison, McLaren’s MCL39 has made a more significant step forward, with improvements of up to 1.359 seconds over its previous model.
The Scuderia’s engineers may have initially overestimated the level of competitiveness that the SF-25 would bring to the table, and they will need to recalibrate their expectations moving forward. As the team prepares for a crucial series of updates in the coming races, Ferrari must ensure that these changes are not only effective but can provide a tangible advantage over their rivals.
With the clock ticking down to key races in the second half of the season, Ferrari’s ability to execute a flawless upgrade strategy will be critical to its hopes of turning the tide and challenging for podium finishes and, ultimately, the championship.
