Ferrari SF-25 faces rear end instability and grip issues in final race stint | F1 Bahrain GP telemetry. Ferrari Struggles with Rear End Towards the End of the Race: SF-25 Unstable and Lacking Grip.

In the 2025 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, Ferrari showed mixed signals across the various stints of the race. While the SF-25 single-seater benefited from the medium tires during the middle phase of the Sakhir race, it faced significant difficulties with the hard compound towards the end, especially in managing the rear end. Specifically, the Maranello car initially had a significant advantage in the faster sections.

This characteristic faded in the final stage of the Bahrain Grand Prix. In order to better understand the causes, we analyze a comparison of the average speed between the first and last stints of the race, comparing the two Ferrari drivers, alongside Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. The comparison aims to highlight the differences in fuel levels, which are contrasted through a more complete analysis.

In the first stint, by analyzing the telemetry data, we can see that Max Verstappen, thanks to the slipstreams in the middle of the pack, is the fastest at the end of the main straight. The four-time Formula 1 world champion, with the help of the drag reduction system, has an End of Straight Speed that is 30 kilometers per hour faster than Oscar Piastri. A similar dynamic occurs in the second section of the circuit, with the Dutchman managing to build a gap of about half a second before the braking zone of turn 4.

However, as can be noticed from the telemetry data, the world champion loses all the advantage gained in turns 4 and 8, where he is forced to brake earlier and adopt a more conservative approach in traction. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, maximizes the deceleration phase in turn 1, gaining around two tenths just in this sector. Additionally, the Monegasque driver is less conservative in the snake section and turn 12, where — similar to Lewis Hamilton — he carries more speed.

These high-G corners are very taxing on the tires, which tend to raise the tread temperature. Both Ferrari drivers took advantage of the Pirelli yellow-banded tire, which, thanks to its construction, is less prone to temperature increases due to lateral forces. As also seen from the telemetry data, in the long turn 12, Charles Leclerc modulates the throttle less and gains about a tenth over Oscar Piastri.

Unable to make use of many slipstreams, the Australian driver optimizes the advantage of clean air, carrying higher speed through the center of the corners. It is also interesting to note that he is more cautious during the braking phase between turns 1 and 4. With the front axle colder after the two straights, the McLaren driver adopts a more conservative approach, showing a quicker brake release phase in corners 8, 11, and 13. In these sections, the tire temperatures are higher and provide more grip during turn-in.

Shifting focus to the final stage of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with lighter cars, it is observed that Max Verstappen’s position in the middle of the pack once again favored his top speed. The most interesting data comes from the comparison between the two Ferrari cars and Oscar Piastri. With hard tires, the Maranello cars struggled the most in the final phase of the race. The data shows that the main issue was the rear end on exit.

The rear was unable to provide enough grip to stabilize the car. This lack of balance was caused by a very imprecise front end during turn-in, which triggered excessive sliding on exit. For this reason, the most critical areas — where Oscar Piastri gained the most ground — were the exits from the slower corners.

Moreover, due to the weaker rear end, the advantage we previously discussed in the faster sections was no longer present. Both in the snake and at turn 12, it was Oscar Piastri who reached the highest speeds before the braking zones, even though he was in a phase of managing his F1 car in turn 12, where he modulated the throttle more.

Charles Leclerc’s attempt to defend the podium likely accelerated the performance drop of the hard tires towards the end of the race at the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. This factor was subtly mentioned by the Monegasque in some post-race comments. The battle between Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris and the one between Charles Leclerc and his defenders prevented the drivers from maintaining a strong pace in the final laps, although, in any case, the hard tires do not suit the Italian car.

— see video above —