Ferrari’s new strategy for optimizing 2025 F1 power unit. Enrico Gualtieri comments on the strategy to maximize power unit optimization.

The presentation of the Ferrari SF-25 marked the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, unveiling the Scuderia Ferrari HP’s new single-seater. After the event, Enrico Gualtieri, head of Ferrari’s power unit, explained the details of the work done on the engine, highlighting the challenges posed by the development freeze and the strategies adopted by the team to optimize performance.

Enrico Gualtieri: “The engine is frozen, but we can optimize it”
The technical regulations have prohibited any structural modifications to the power unit since 2022, forcing teams to work exclusively on efficiency and resource management. On this topic, Enrico Gualtieri clarified: “Engine development has been frozen since 2022, as we cannot change any type of hardware or introduce any new components into the power unit.” – the Italian engineer pointed out.

Despite these restrictions, the Maranello team has found areas for improvement: “This does not mean that we cannot try to optimize what we already have.”

Adaptation and improved usage strategies for the power unit
A key aspect of the SF-25’s development has been adapting power unit management strategies to maximize efficiency throughout the race weekend. Enrico Gualtieri explained how the team managed to fully exploit the engine’s potential:
“We have tried, and we have finally succeeded, in adapting our strategies to our way of working with the PU, especially in all aspects of the race weekend, to push every performance advantage to the limit.”

An improvement over 2024, but no revolutions
The regulations limit development opportunities compared to previous years, forcing Ferrari’s engine department to focus on marginal gains. Enrico Gualtieri emphasized: “Obviously, nothing major, especially compared to what we could do when development time was unlimited.”

The team’s goal has been to recover the potential lost in the previous season: “We have simply regained the performance potential we lost last year, and this will make the grid even more competitive.”

Power unit optimization will be crucial in a season that promises to be extremely balanced. With stable regulations and teams increasingly close in terms of performance, every detail could make the difference. The Ferrari SF-25, with its new aerodynamics and refined engine management, aims to be a key contender in the title fight.