F1 | Ferrari SF-25 brake issues “unsolvable”: problems first appeared in 2024

F1 | Ferrari SF-25 brake issues “unsolvable”: problems first appeared in 2024. The Ferrari SF-25 shows improved performance, yet the longstanding brake problem persists.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-25, sidepods, garage

The SF-25 is showing signs of improvement, but Ferrari can no longer fully fix its brake issues, which make lift and coast (LiCo) unavoidable. Early signs of these problems already emerged in 2024, and since then, the issue has become chronic. According to an analysis by AutoRacer.it, it is clear that the defect—responsible for the need to lift and coast for long stretches during races—cannot be resolved.Ferrari’s last two races offered a breath of fresh air for Maranello. After five rounds finished away from the podium—from Hungary to Singapore—Charles Leclerc brought back some sparkle to the SF-25, securing a third place in Austin and a second place in Mexico. This improvement also extended to the pit wall for Lewis Hamilton, who was less fortunate during the two American race weekends.

The execution, repeatedly highlighted by Frédéric Vasseur, finally seems to be paying off. Fewer mistakes in preparation, strategy selection, and race management have brought the Prancing Horse back ahead of Mercedes, although a single-point Red Bull with Max Verstappen still maintains superior speed.

Ferrari cannot get rid of lift and coast

In terms of pure performance, fans should not expect miracles. Maranello has completely abandoned any further evolution of the SF-25, except for minor adjustments already planned for specific track layouts. Likewise, the lift and coast strategy will remain, continuing to slow both #16 and #44 during race pace.

An analysis published on the Italian website AutoRacer.it by F1 expert Rosario Giuliana explains that the brake problem slowing down the SF-25 is, in fact, already known from last season. The defect has become “chronic,” and since it was understood too late, it cannot be fixed before the major technical overhaul planned for 2026. Confidence remains in the Ferrari team, who, with the current package, must defend second place in the Constructors’ Championship.