Ferrari sets SF-25 update plan: first aero package to arrive in Suzuka

Ferrari is ready to push. In Formula 1, this necessity is crucial to win, as, from all perspectives, being ahead of the competitors is the best way to reach the set goals. To cross the finish line first, in fact, besides having a competitive car and executing a flawless race weekend, it is essential to always be one step ahead of the rivals. The Prancing Horse has already hit the track with the SF-25. This happened in the first shakedown at Fiorano last week, where, on home soil, the two main drivers were able to test the new car’s qualities.

This is all considering that we are talking about a test on a track regulated by the International Federation, where the mileage was restricted to a maximum of 200 kilometers) and the top speed could not exceed 200 kilometers per hour. Despite this, the 2025 version of the Red car gathered as much data as possible in Bahrain setup. On the other hand, in just one day, all Formula 1 cars will meet in Sakhir, in the Middle East, for the official pre-season testing session. For this reason, it was important to gather useful information to update the simulator. Ferrari did this with great satisfaction after the work carried out.

In these tests, Lewis Hamilton provided several feedbacks on the 066/15 power unit, which was updated thanks to the small room for maneuver offered by the FIA to make the Italian engine more efficient. A decisive move that should make the Modena power unit more effective, both in qualifying and over the 300 kilometer distance. Meanwhile, there is an interesting factor that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur himself confirmed. It concerns the approach to the 2025 World Championship, which is much more than a transitional season awaiting the latest regulatory revolution in Formula 1.

Ferrari is truly tired of watching others win. Almost seventeen years of drought is frankly too much. The upcoming world championship brings with it a really tough design task, as all teams will have to deal with a dual commitment, following two distinct programs. A complicated situation to manage, as the Maranello team will need to allocate resources wisely. Within this scenario, the need to set milestones is paramount. As anticipated by various Italian news media outlets, Ferrari already has very clear ideas in this regard.

The plan is to push as much as possible in the early part of the 2025 Formula 1 season, relying on the fact that the SF-25 can be competitive right from the start. If this is the case, the Maranello team will have the chance to update the car and collect as many points as possible. This is the theory that, of course, must be confirmed on the track. And it is precisely for this reason that the team’s update plan has already been set. According to the various reports, the Ferrari technicians and engineers will present the first update package at the Japanese Grand Prix, the third race of the calendar.

This is all considering that the car will be able to express on track what the simulator has estimated, without encountering correlation issues that could delay the plans. On this aspect, it seems that the Red car team is quite calm, as the latest references obtained in the past season, as well as the feedback from the first outing at the Fiorano circuit, have reassured the working group. Loic Serra is leading the team well. We know that part of the top management was present last Wednesday, with Piero Ferrari and Benedetto Vigna quite satisfied with the Frenchman.

F1, Red Bull more in difficulty than Ferrari?
Red Bull also finds itself in the same situation, having to manage two parallel projects. However, unlike Ferrari, it seems that the team from Milton Keynes is facing more difficult forecasts. The RB21 will indeed have to prove that the problems suffered during the past season no longer exist. McLaren is the favorite, and rightly so, while Ferrari starts from a base that is already competitive if we consider the last third of the 2024 season. The work done, led by Pierre Waché, had one main goal: to fix the many flaws of the RB20.

We are talking about an F1 car that, despite having a talent like Max Verstappen, for at least four months could not even get to the podium. Truly too little for the team led by Christian Horner. Adrian Newey’s departure has left a huge gap that, at least in the past season, was not managed very well. The concern of the sporting director from Auchel is present. He himself has made it known, considering that Red Bull is called to a careful, frugal, and practical management.