Ferrari goes all-in at Monza: Fred Vasseur reveals the aggressive SF-25 strategy. Ferrari opted for an aggressive SF-25 setup at Monza, but qualifying results were mixed.

F1 Italian GP – Vasseur explains Ferrari’s aggressive Monza setup: “All-in”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur explained the rationale behind the extreme setup of the SF-25 following Monza qualifying. The Scuderia arrived at the Italian Grand Prix with a very aggressive setup and a track-specific wing. While this approach appeared promising during practice sessions, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were only able to secure fourth and fifth positions in qualifying. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, making his first Monza appearance with Ferrari, will serve a five-place grid penalty, meaning he will start tomorrow from tenth.

Speaking to Sky Sport F1, Vasseur commented on the team’s qualifying performance and the reasons behind the setup choice.

The key word: “Compromise”

Immediately after qualifying, Fred Vasseur reflected on Charles Leclerc’s fourth place: “Starting fourth, considering that there’s a long run to turn one, isn’t too bad. Let’s see where we are at turn one, and then the race is very long. There’s tire degradation, and so far we’ve had a good pace on Sundays. Last year, we won starting from fourth, so it’s possible even if I would have preferred first. But for now, let’s focus on ourselves.”

The setup decision was driven by the search for a compromise. Fred Vasseur explained: “It was an aggressive choice, which results in lower aerodynamic downforce in corners. This means we suffer a bit more in Ascari and other sections, but we also know that tire management will be slightly more challenging in those corners. It’s always a compromise.”

He added: “At Monza, you have a choice between two or three wing levels, and in the end, it’s a compromise on track. You can be fast on the straights or through Lesmo. This determines your choice and also depends on the characteristics of your car as well as the driver’s expectations. At the end of the day, the drivers choose based on comfort or the goals they want to achieve in the race. But this was a decision we made together, and we’ll see how it goes. All-in. Everything on the attack.”