Ferrari fears reliability issues in Mexico: extreme update for SF-25 expected

Ferrari fears reliability issues in Mexico: extreme update for SF-25 expected. Ferrari prepares an extreme update on the SF-25 for the Mexico GP.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF-25, sidepods, 2025 F1

Ferrari targets reliability ahead of Mexico GP

Ferrari is concerned about potential reliability issues at the Mexico Grand Prix, prompting the team to introduce a more extreme update on the SF-25 aimed at mitigating problems on the overseas circuit.

Every year, teams face unique challenges at the Mexico City track, located over 2,000 meters above sea level. The thin air forces teams to adopt high-downforce wings to maintain acceptable aerodynamic grip, even though the track layout would normally call for low downforce. The altitude also creates reliability concerns. Back in 2022, Ferrari used a smaller turbocharger than its rivals and had to keep engine revs low to avoid failures. Over the years, Maranello’s engine department has worked on this issue. For 2025, as happened in 2024, Ferrari plans a specific update to help the car “breathe” better.

Larger engine cover “gills” for improved cooling

Last season, the SF-24 featured five large and long gills on the engine cover, along with six vents on top of the sidepods. Their primary purpose was to cool the Power Unit, turbo, and brake system. Ferrari is concerned about high temperatures and is willing to sacrifice some aerodynamic efficiency to manage heat. According to AutoRacer.it, the SF-25 will see “larger grills to improve hot air extraction.” This is a specific update designed to avoid reliability problems.

Power unit performance remains key

The engine’s power will be crucial on the long straights of the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. Ferrari’s car development was frozen in June, leaving the team to manage inconsistent performance. Team principal Fred Vasseur admitted the impact of this decision: “The situation is frustrating because we stopped development very early. I underestimated the psychological effect of going through seventeen races with nothing new.”

Despite a strong showing in Austin, mainly due to technical work on the car, similar results should not be expected in Mexico. The track layout is very different, and Ferrari’s focus remains on reliability and optimal performance under high-altitude conditions.