Ferrari takes a gamble in Baku with low-downforce SF-25 for qualifying and race | F1 Azerbaijan GP. Ferrari opts for a low-downforce setup for both drivers at the Baku Grand Prix.

After analyzing the data, Ferrari has decided to adopt low-downforce specifications for both drivers for the rest of the Baku Grand Prix weekend. Yesterday, the team left fans wondering which setup choice they would make ahead of qualifying and the race.

Aerodynamic updates for the weekend

For the weekend, Ferrari introduced a modified front wing and two different rear wing configurations. These rear wings are the same specification debuted in Belgium, with one featuring trims that reduce aerodynamic load, making it less “loaded.”

Throughout the weekend, Ferrari drivers tested and alternated between the two aerodynamic solutions before making a decision for the remainder of the event. Charles Leclerc briefly tried the high-downforce specification but abandoned it for the rest of the weekend. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, tested both options and opted for the higher-downforce wing during FP2, which helped him set the fastest lap.

Criteria behind the choice

Using a higher-downforce wing provides better braking, corner entry, and stability through turns, but reduces top speed. Conversely, the low-downforce wing increases straight-line speed at the expense of cornering stability, where reduced downforce can lead to sliding and tire overheating.

The Baku street circuit features numerous straights, including the main straight—the longest on the F1 calendar. The corners are sharp and right-angled, requiring primarily longitudinal grip, favoring braking and traction over cornering speed. The presence of such a long straight heavily influences aerodynamic setup decisions, often pushing teams toward a very low-downforce configuration.

Ferrari takes the gamble

After analyzing the first two practice sessions, Ferrari decided on a lower-downforce setup compared to what was used yesterday on Hamilton’s car, which was the fastest on Friday. In FP3, the English driver also ran the same low-downforce rear wing specification adopted by his teammate Charles Leclerc. As confirmed by Marc Gené, the team found this choice advantageous based on qualifying and race simulations.

The decision was likely influenced by the rapid evolution of grip on the track, which could help the SF-25 compensate for its lower cornering grip. The extremely long straight also played a role, as rivals are also favoring low-downforce setups. Matching them helps avoid large gaps in top speed, which could make overtaking or defending impossible.

In FP3, Ferrari showed encouraging signs, but competitors also appear to be in excellent form. McLaren starts as a favorite, but the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be an unpredictable weekend, potentially full of surprises.