Ferrari SF-25: when the upgrades will arrive and when they will work. Ferrari prepares major SF-25 upgrades for Imola and Barcelona.

With only one podium so far in the 2025 season—Charles Leclerc’s third place in Jeddah—Ferrari knows a decisive step forward is needed to close the gap to McLaren and Mercedes. But in Maranello, confidence remains high: between new aerodynamic upgrades and the implementation of stricter FIA checks on the front wing, Ferrari believes the next month could mark a turning point.

The new technical directive on front wing flexibility, coming into force at the Spanish GP at the end of May, could change the balance. Charles Leclerc is convinced that some rivals are currently benefiting from flexible aerodynamic solutions that pass static tests but provide dynamic advantages.

“I believe this change could benefit us,” the Monegasque is said to have confided. An implicit reference to the unexpectedly consistent performances of McLaren and Mercedes, often exceeding expectations in qualifying.

Upgrade package incoming at Ferrari
At the same time, Ferrari is preparing to introduce a major development package on the SF-25, debuting at the Emilia-Romagna GP in Imola, before being fully implemented at the Spanish GP. According to Motorsport, the main focus will be on increasing aerodynamic load, particularly at the rear, to improve the car’s stability under braking and corner entry.

A change that could prove crucial for Lewis Hamilton, who is still struggling to adapt to the car. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, has so far managed to mask the rear-end shortcomings with his aggressive driving style.

The numbers are clear: Ferrari has averaged a 0.3-second gap to McLaren in qualifying over the last four weekends. The deficit can also be explained by the fact that the SF-25 represents a smaller step forward compared to the MCL39. This suggests that Maranello may have overestimated the car’s initial potential, and now everything is riding on Imola and Barcelona to get the season back on track.

Despite expectations, Ferrari remains cautious: rivals will also introduce updates, and the previous directive on the rear wing turned out to be less impactful than expected. This is why the Spanish GP will be a real litmus test—but not necessarily a definitive one.