Last year, Ferrari celebrated a remarkable one-two finish with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The SF-24 proved to be the strongest car over race distance through the sweeping corners of the Texan circuit. Today, the situation is very different, with the SF-25 showing deficiencies in multiple areas. The project has been so problematic that it even drew the attention of the FIA. Following a disqualification earlier in the season, the team was forced to adopt a more conservative approach regarding car setup to avoid further penalties. The main figure often mentioned in rumors as responsible is Matteo Togninalli, Ferrari’s Head of Trackside Engineering. While these stories do not benefit the Scuderia, the actual truth behind them remains unclear. Fred Vasseur likely also aimed to calm speculation about a possible Christian Horner engagement.
Vasseur: “A united and determined team”
“After two city circuits, with the Circuit of the Americas we return to a permanent track that offers a very interesting mix of corners. It is a circuit that demands precision from everyone: from the team in terms of car setup and from the drivers in terms of feeling with the car. The weekend will be even more challenging because of the Sprint format, which allows only one free practice session before immediately moving into competitive sessions. We know we have not fully exploited the potential of our package in recent races, but the team is united and fully determined to change course.”
The team principal seems to point once again toward execution as a key factor. With the Sprint format, there is only one free practice session, meaning that the team must get everything right from the start. His final statement also appears to be a clear response to the various rumors that have been circulating in the media about Ferrari’s internal dynamics.
Ferrari is unlikely to secure a race win in 2025. Focusing on the evolved rear suspension while simultaneously halting aerodynamic developments does not appear to have been the correct decision by Technical Director Loic Serra. Implementing upgrades could have provided performance improvements that cannot be achieved by working solely on the mechanical side. The area in question has a limited margin for adjustment. Additionally, abandoning flexibility in the front wing materials continues to have noticeable effects. While fans hope to see Ferrari back on the podium, the gap to Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren remains significant.
The fast and flowing corners of Austin also feature multiple bumps and irregularities in the asphalt, which require careful management. The SF-25 must maintain safe ride heights to prevent excessive wear on the plank underbody, while also coping with the high track temperatures that could stress the braking system. This will force Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to carefully manage their brakes throughout the weekend, adding another layer of challenge to an already demanding race.
In conclusion, Fred Vasseur’s statements reinforce the message that Ferrari is focused, cohesive, and ready to face the technical and operational challenges of the Circuit of the Americas. The team remains aware of the performance gaps but is determined to extract the maximum from the SF-25 while preparing strategically for the remainder of the 2025 season.
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