F1, Ferrari: Frederic Vasseur has an upgrade plan, even though “it’s not just a matter of developments”. Ferrari is preparing for the Imola GP with updates to the SF-25.

After the mediocre performance during the sprint weekend in Miami, the Prancing Horse has had two weeks of downtime to prepare for the first European race, which coincides with the Emilia Romagna round. Ferrari is gearing up to race in its own backyard, Imola, with some updates: Fred Vasseur has a specific plan for the development of the SF-25, although for the Frenchman, these updates are not — as he sees it — the crucial factor to make the 2025 car work.

After a season start with more lows than highs, Ferrari is required to change its pace. The expectations and announcements leading up to the season certainly didn’t paint a picture of Ferrari being in such difficulty. On the contrary, for most of the insiders, Frederic Vasseur’s team was ready to start just behind McLaren, ready to challenge it with a “99% different car” from its predecessor. Instead, after six races, the Maranello team is only the fourth strongest on the grid after a Miami GP where it was battling with Williams.

Ferrari Updates in Imola: Frederic Vasseur’s Expectations
At Santerno, the Italian team will try to solve some issues on a track that should suit the SF-25 better than Miami. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, spoke from Florida announcing updates: “Yes, there will be updates in Imola, but I don’t think it’s a matter of updates.”

For Fred Vasseur, the problems with Hamilton and Leclerc’s cars will not be solved by bringing upgrades one after another. His priority is to “understand” the car, trying to optimize balance and tire management, which is McLaren’s strength in 2025. “It’s about finding the best compromise, first and foremost with this car.” – the French manager pointed out.

The SF-25 will feature some new fixes at the first Italian stop of the year, but it won’t end there. After Emilia Romagna, Fred Vasseur is looking to Spain. At the Catalonia weekend, the Modena team hopes to count on further updates and the benefits of the new technical directive on wing flexibility. “We definitely have a small step forward planned for Imola, then there will be another one in Barcelona. But the most important thing is to put everything together.”

“Probably the Imola circuit will be more favorable to us than Miami. We struggle in low-speed corners. There, we’ll make better use of the curbs, but I think what limited us in Miami was mainly tire management,” explained Ferrari’s team principal.