Ferrari’s aggressive approach: Fred Vasseur explains why SF25 will take more risks after China DQ. Pushing the limits, even within the regulations, this is the Ferrari F1 approach under Fred Vasseur.

An aggressive Ferrari—that’s how you win in F1. Frédéric Vasseur explains (and justifies) the SF-25’s double disqualification. It’s a philosophy the team principal had previously shared with fans, and it seemingly materialized in Shanghai. What happened does not change Maranello’s approach as they continue pursuing extreme solutions to keep their championship hopes alive.

Sometimes, teams push too far in a sport that constantly seeks that last “half-millimeter” advantage. It’s normal—it’s the standard for winners who refuse to stay in their comfort zone. And if, at times, they exceed the ruthless limits set by the regulations, all that remains is to acknowledge the mistake, move on, and focus on the next Grand Prix.

This philosophy comes through in Frédéric Vasseur’s words during a lengthy interview with *L’Équipe* after China. The Ferrari team principal is fully convinced of the potential of his first true creation—it just needs to be proven on track. With only two races completed, there is still plenty of time.

Ferrari’s disqualification: a matter of aggressiveness
For the French engineer, explaining what happened in Shanghai is a question of philosophy: “We were probably too aggressive—it has to be that way. This setback shows that we are chasing perfection, and sometimes we push too far. Will there be more disqualifications? Certainly.”

“The goal in Formula 1 is to push every parameter to the limit, everywhere—to the last gram of weight, the last tenth of a millimeter of wear, the last millimeter of wing deformation. One must distinguish between a disqualification for taking risks and a disqualification for cheating. The more pressure there is, the more intense the battle, the closer you have to get to these limits, and the greater the risks.”

Last weekend’s double disqualification will not change Ferrari’s approach. An SF-25 that is finally “unlocked” will allow the drivers and the team to reach the limit without overstepping it—an essential requirement to chase McLaren. Now, the focus shifts to Japan.