Ferrari team boss explains why “SF-25 development is crucial also for the 2026 F1 project”. Fred Vasseur underlines the strategic value of SF-25 development for Ferrari’s 2026 F1 project.

The Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari, Frédéric Vasseur, has shared a clear and strategic vision regarding the current development of the Ferrari SF-25 and how the work done with the 2025 updates could also impact the 2026 car project. Despite the major regulatory changes expected from the next technical cycle, Fred Vasseur has no intention of abandoning the present competition; on the contrary, he emphasizes the need to maintain high pressure and motivation within the team.

Car mechanics: the bridge between 2025 and 2026
“We’re also working on the SF-25’s mechanics because it’s something we can carry over,” Fred Vasseur explained in Imola, stressing that while the aerodynamic aspects of the current car will be of little use for the next generation, the mechanical knowledge gained – suspensions, brakes, geometries – will be crucial in the transition to the new regulations.

“Aerodynamically, we won’t be able to carry over anything from the SF-25, but in terms of mechanics there are some things that could be useful even next year.”

Awaiting Ferrari updates: the front wing for Barcelona
Looking at the short term, the update scheduled for the Spanish GP will be particularly significant. The new front wing, introduced to comply with the updated technical directives, could represent a true “technical reset” on the grid.

“We’re at a stage where it’s hard to bring major updates, we’re working on details. Barcelona will be the first real moment of discontinuity, and we might see a shift in the balance on the grid.”

Fred Vasseur’s philosophy: don’t give up
The French team leader also emphasized the importance of staying competitive in the present, without fully shifting resources to 2026: “To move all resources to the 2026 project now would be a mistake. It’s precisely when you’re fighting for something that you pay attention to the details.”

For Fred Vasseur, internal motivation and positive pressure are key to maintaining a high performance level: “We can’t tell the team that goes out on track every race weekend that we’re giving up.”