Fernando Alonso criticises Ferrari over alleged wet-weather testing advantage with Pirelli. Alonso questions Ferrari edge in rain conditions after Miami qualifying.

Fernando Alonso’s frustration after Miami qualifying

At the end of yet another difficult qualifying session in the 2025 season with Aston Martin during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Fernando Alonso delivered harsh and controversial comments directed at Ferrari. The Spaniard became involved in a discussion that appeared to come out of nowhere, centered around the weather forecast for Sunday’s race and the preparation work carried out by different Formula 1 teams with Pirelli in wet conditions.

According to forecasts, heavy rain is expected to hit the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, which immediately raised questions in the paddock about which teams might benefit most from wet-weather conditions and prior testing experience with the current generation of Pirelli tyres.

Alonso’s comments about Ferrari and wet-weather testing

As reported by the Spanish outlet AS, during the usual post-qualifying media session with Spanish journalists in Miami, Alonso was asked about his expectations for the race if it were to be held in wet conditions.

“On dry conditions we have no chance, and in the wet probably not either,” observed the two-time World Champion, before continuing with a more pointed remark.

“Nobody knows what can happen in the wet, it will be the first time with these cars in these conditions. Only Ferrari can afford this luxury, because they carry out unlimited testing with Pirelli. We are not Ferrari, so we have to learn during the races.”

Is Ferrari really at an advantage?

Alonso’s reference is believed to be linked to private testing carried out by Ferrari at the Fiorano circuit on April 9-10, where the Scuderia from Maranello worked alongside Pirelli to evaluate wet-weather tyre compounds intended for use in rainy conditions.

However, the broader context of Pirelli’s development programme shows that Ferrari is not the only team to have been involved in wet-weather tyre testing. After the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Pirelli had scheduled a test session involving Red Bull and Racing Bulls, which effectively became a wet-track test due to heavy rain affecting the circuit at the time.

In addition, at the end of February, Mercedes and McLaren were expected to participate in dedicated wet-weather tyre tests in Bahrain at the Sakhir circuit, where artificial sprinklers were planned to simulate rainy conditions. However, the outbreak of conflict in the Persian Gulf region led to the cancellation of that testing session for safety reasons.

Wet tyre test schedule context

Conclusion

Alonso’s remarks have once again ignited debate within the Formula 1 paddock regarding the transparency and balance of private testing programmes with tyre supplier Pirelli. While Ferrari’s Fiorano session is being highlighted, other teams have also benefited from wet-weather testing opportunities across different circuits and conditions throughout the development cycle.

With rain potentially playing a decisive role in the Miami Grand Prix, the discussion over preparation advantages is likely to remain a talking point right up until lights out on Sunday.