F1 | FP2 breakdown Spanish GP – Ferrari SF-25 struggles in qualifying trim at Circuit de Catalunya. FP2 analysis of the 2025 Spanish GP.

The McLaren MCL39 arrived at Montmelò with one certainty: it is the strongest car in the final year of the wing car regulations. The new directive, hailed as a true game changer, appears to be turning out to be a flop. In our analysis, we examine how FP2 unfolded and what we can infer for Saturday and Sunday at the Spanish GP.

Ferrari seems to be there but then vanishes like snow in the sun
The Maranello team began the weekend with a very strong FP1. The race pace simulation run by Leclerc on the soft tyres impressed everyone—except Pirelli, who explained what really happened. The SF-25 was still “held back” by a mechanical compromise that became evident in the slower corners. Turns 5 and 10 showed no mercy to the rear of the car, which appeared very nervous and unpredictable in its behaviour.

In FP2 things seemed to improve, especially on the flying lap, where Charles Leclerc partially showed a good SF-25. However, the major mistake made by the Monegasque driver deprived the Maranello team of a precise reference. A lack that could have seen Charles Leclerc very close to Oscar Piastri—the session’s benchmark—since the end of the lap didn’t show significant differences. The error at turns 7-8 might have been caused by an incorrect approach to the inside kerb. The car didn’t “digest” it well, triggering a major snap at the rear that caused instability.

McLaren’s ability to absorb kerbs is the result of a more comprehensive and effective mechanical setup. A long blanket that allows the MCL39 to ride the kerbs closely without becoming unsettled. What best confirms this ability of the MCL39 is its significantly lower rear wing load compared to others. At Turn 10, the rear of the car was still very unstable, with a tendency to slide—a phenomenon corrected with a different suspension setting.

Red Bull with Max Verstappen and George Russell with Mercedes seem close, but what we saw in FP2 shows that the cars on track are not operating in their optimal performance window. The transition through turns 2-3 already highlighted a clear difference, with the MCL39 able to immediately set up the change of direction.

Let’s see how things evolve after a night in the simulator for all the teams, who will have to find the right balance between qualifying and the race.