Ferrari: aggressive setup in Barcelona FP2 to fine-tune performance window

Ferrari showed two faces during Friday practice in Spain. After encouraging signs in FP1, some experimental setup changes and lower track temperatures created difficulties for the drivers in managing tyre temperatures. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc struggled at mid-corner, losing out during traction phases. Several complaints were heard over the radio, despite various adjustments made to define the car’s setup window.

Looking at long run data, Charles Leclerc was on average six tenths slower than Max Verstappen. The Monegasque couldn’t find the right feeling with the tyres used at the start of the session. That is why, after just four laps, he switched to the red-banded Pirellis. The softer compound had already delivered positive sensations during FP1 long runs and seems to suit the Ferrari better.

Simone Berra, head of the Italian tyre supplier’s engineers, stated that wear rates between Medium and Soft compounds are almost the same. However, the SF-25 did not have the ideal setup, struggling with balance and, as a result, failing to extract optimal grip from the compounds. It was easier with the C3, where that extra grip was found. Hamilton ran a slightly longer stint on the Mediums.

The Brit started with higher lap times than his Maranello teammate, attempting to improve as the laps went on. But even this strategy did not work particularly well. Lewis Hamilton ended his stint with average times similar to Charles Leclerc’s, unsurprisingly. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were the fastest with different compounds. The world champion requested several changes, including front ride height and rear springs.

This move already improved handling by the end of the first session. In the second, the Dutchman took to the track with a well-balanced car that required no further changes. The RB21’s setup currently seems more geared toward race performance than qualifying, showing better tyre management overall.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris tested two different compounds, with the former on Mediums and the latter on Softs. Like Ferrari, the Woking car performs better on Softs. Lando Norris was seven tenths faster than his teammate and managed performance drop-off much better. After the fourth lap, Oscar Piastri’s lap times began to rise by over 0.15s per lap, while Lando was still able to trim his lap time.

Tyre management was also tricky for the Mercedes drivers. Both completed more than 10 laps on Softs, showing immediate problems with rear tyre temperature management. Kimi Antonelli experienced a more gradual performance drop compared to his teammate, who suffered from “early graining.”

This issue arises when a compound is used too aggressively while still cold. The tread particles in contact with the asphalt vitrify, and only after several laps and some tyre wear does performance return, as was the case for the British driver.

Lastly, the FP1 telemetry data illustrates this. In the first session, the Ferrari drivers showed a good pace during a relatively long stint. If we exclude Max Verstappen—who ran a shorter stint, Charles Leclerc had found excellent car balance. The Monegasque did not complain about grip or tyre temperature management over the radio, unlike in FP2.

Moreover, the degradation chart shows how well Charles Leclerc managed performance drop-off on the Softs. Ferrari will now need to reconcile the setups used in both sessions and identify the root of the performance gap on the Medium tyres. The Ferrari engineers made significant changes between the two sessions to a car that had previously been well balanced, opting for a setup that was too stiff.

This likely benefited aerodynamic efficiency through medium-speed corners but increased tyre slip during traction phases, raising temperatures. Overnight simulator work will be essential to find a convergence point and provide the drivers with a more drivable car. Only in this way will they be able to extract performance in both qualifying and the race.