Ferrari set timeline for 2025 F1 upgrades: key targets and performance goals. Ferrari is betting on major upgrades and FIA's new front wing tests to boost its 2025 F1 form.

Ferrari Eyes Turning Point in 2025 F1 Season with Key Updates and FIA Intervention

Despite securing only one podium so far in the 2025 Formula 1 season—thanks to Charles Leclerc’s impressive drive to third at the 6.174-kilometre Jeddah Corniche Circuit  in Saudi Arabia—Ferrari is quietly confident that a performance breakthrough is on the horizon.

The Italian side is placing considerable hope in the FIA’s upcoming technical directive targeting front wing flexibility, set to take effect at the Spanish Grand Prix in late May. The team believes this regulatory change could shift the competitive balance by curbing the advantages held by rivals such as McLaren and Mercedes, who are suspected of exploiting flexing aero components that still comply with current static load tests.

Charles Leclerc has hinted that this crackdown could work in Ferrari’s favour, suggesting that the team’s relative underperformance may stem more from its adherence to regulations than from a lack of aerodynamic ingenuity.

In tandem with the FIA’s intervention, the Maranello team is preparing to launch a two-phase aerodynamic upgrade strategy, beginning at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix following the Miami Grand Prix weekend. The package, aimed at significantly boosting the SF-25’s downforce, is expected to reach full deployment by the Spanish GP at the Circuit de Catalunya.

A particular focus of the development effort is the rear end, which currently lacks stability under braking and into corners—a trait that has visibly affected Lewis Hamilton’s confidence behind the wheel. The Monegasque, by contrast, has managed to adapt better, using his driving style to mitigate the SF-25’s shortcomings.

Beyond addressing handling concerns, the updates are also geared toward closing the raw performance gap. Ferrari has lagged 0.323 seconds behind McLaren in qualifying sessions over the past four races, a shortfall partly explained by the MCL39 representing a larger performance leap over its predecessor than the SF-25—1.359 seconds vs. 0.857 seconds, respectively. The team led by Fred Vasseur may have initially overestimated how competitive their 2025 package would be relative to the rest of the grid.

All eyes now turn to the Circuit de Catalunya, which is shaping up to be a pivotal test for Ferrari’s development trajectory. Still, expectations must be tempered. Other teams are expected to bring upgrades of their own, and the last FIA clampdown—on rear wing flexibility—ultimately had minimal impact on the pecking order.