Ferrari telemetry analysis: Charles Leclerc misses out on pole in the final corners | F1 Mexico GP. Ferrari showed encouraging progress in Mexico with Charles Leclerc maximizing the SF-25’s potential.

After an encouraging Friday in Formula 1, during which Scuderia Ferrari demonstrated signs of improvement, particularly in mechanical management and predictability of the car’s behavior, qualifying confirmed the quality of the work done. Charles Leclerc continued to build confidence, showing an agile and precise car through the more technical sections, although not perfect in the third sector. It was here that he ultimately lost the chance to claim pole position.

The limits of the Ferrari SF-25 managed perfectly by Leclerc

The setup choice for the SF-25 prioritized competitiveness in the central sector, sacrificing a bit in the final phase of the lap, where turns 12 and 13 highlighted a slight oversteer on entry, naturally affecting rotation. Both Ferrari drivers managed to maximize the package at their disposal, securing second and third place, just +0.262s behind Lando Norris.

This result was the product of clean driving and a setup finally consistent through different phases of the corners, though not without limits. McLaren confirmed itself as the strongest and most versatile car of the weekend, capable of generating stability under braking and linear traction, while the SF-25 still showed slight sensitivity in load transfers, especially in the second sector of the track.

Sector 1: Leclerc keeps up with Norris

In T1, Charles Leclerc managed to match Lando Norris with a very deep braking into turn 1 and effective management of the apex, delaying brake release skillfully. However, McLaren was able to regain the advantage in traction: throttle progression was smoother, and the Woking car delivered power to the ground more efficiently without wheelspin, allowing Norris to gain 0.087s on exit.

Sector 2: Mid-speed performance highlights differences

Through the section leading to turns 2 and 3, Charles retained a more direct and aggressive front end, while Lando Norris opted for a slightly rounder line, reflecting a more stable car but with a softer response to direction changes. Even in T2, the SF-25 remained competitive, but the difference with the MCL39 was noticeable. The medium-fast section of the Mexican circuit favored McLaren, a car more stable in lateral load transfers and capable of maintaining consistent downforce in high-speed corners. Norris could take tighter lines through corners more easily and without corrections, whereas Charles Leclerc, showing good reactivity, contained the gap thanks to increasing front-end confidence, though he had to manage a lighter rear end.

Sector 3: The SF-25 becomes human

Telemetry shows that although Charles could keep the throttle open about 10% more than Lando Norris between turns 7 and 9, McLaren still held a +5 km/h speed advantage in this section. This reflected superior aerodynamic stability and a very neutral balance provided by higher vertical downforce.

According to estimates and calculations, as also evident from telemetry graphics, the MCL39 generates 1.9% more downforce than the SF-25. In these few corners, Norris gained nearly two-tenths. In the final section, Ferrari confirmed the progress seen in the second practice session, but the car remained slightly nervous. Charles was precise in the early phase of turn 12, where the front end worked excellently, though he had to manage minor oversteer in turn 13, delaying the acceleration point. The MCL39 remained planted, and grip management on exit was smoother, particularly in the final turn 17, allowing Norris to complete the lap with clean and steady acceleration to the finish line.

Mexican GP: Confirmation needed in the race

In conclusion, examining all details, the data shows a much more coherent and competitive Italian car compared to previous races, with generally predictable behavior and a highly communicative front end. Charles Leclerc was able to optimize almost all the potential of the SF-25, finishing just two and a half tenths behind the McLaren in peak form. The margin for improvement is clear.

Work is still needed on corner exit traction and stability in high lateral load sections, areas where the MCL39 excels thanks to a more refined aerodynamic balance. Ferrari can approach the race with confidence: the SF-25 is expected to have a strong pace, although the prediction favors car number 4. Attention will be on the start, where starting from second and third positions could provide an advantage for the Ferrari drivers due to slipstream opportunities.