Ferrari targets Spanish GP as key test, Fred Vasseur counts on SF-25 upgrades. F1 flies to Spain, where the technical directive on flexible wings comes into play.

F1 flies to Spain, where the technical directive on flexible wings comes into play: Frédéric Vasseur is counting on the Ferrari SF-25, between updates and progress

Ferrari is preparing for the Spanish F1 GP: Frédéric Vasseur is banking on the SF-25, with updates and the unknown factor of the technical directive. The Barcelona round will be a true turning point in the championship for the Scuderia. A good result – meaning performance close to McLaren – would reopen the title fight. However, if the MCL39 still proves to be too far ahead, it might (perhaps) be time to start thinking about 2026.

The Barcelona circuit has been the heart of the European season for many years. It’s a technical track where cars are put to the test, and where the most competitive package traditionally comes out on top. If the championship followed a traditional trajectory, McLaren would be the clear favorite. But this time, something different could shake up the order on track.

The new technical directive on flexible wings requires teams to make significant changes to the front wing. The Woking team, a technological frontrunner in this area, could be pushed back into the grasp of its rivals. This would be an advantage for teams with a more “conservative” approach – as Toto Wolff has already pointed out – such as Ferrari. In that case, the fight would be reopened for the SF-25.

Fred Vasseur calls for action: “Progress made in qualifying too”
For Ferrari, as mentioned, this will be a very important test. While waiting for the long-rumored new suspension, Barcelona offers a chance to close in on the front-running teams. Race pace, one of the car’s strong points, will be crucial. However, to make the most of it, a strong qualifying is also necessary. Frédéric Vasseur is well aware of this, as he explained in his analysis ahead of the upcoming race weekend.

“The Spanish Grand Prix marks the beginning of the second third of the season, and Barcelona is a circuit well known to teams and drivers,” said the Scuderia’s team principal. “We’re coming off two positive races and in Monaco we made progress in qualifying as well. The goal for the weekend is to continue on this path. In Barcelona, stricter static tests on front wing flexibility will also debut, and that will be another factor to consider.”

So the appointment is set for Sunday, with the Spanish Grand Prix scheduled to start at 15:00, while qualifying will take place on Saturday at 16:00.