From weaknesses to strengths: Ferrari can now rely on two extra weapons

With just weeks to go before the F1 season begins, anticipation is building. The 2025 season promises to be a fierce battle, with many expecting a mature Ferrari to finally reclaim the world title that has been missing since 2008. The arrival of Hamilton in Maranello has generated great excitement, and the team’s strong finish last season has given Ferrari fans hope. Now, the team seems to have two additional weapons at its disposal: the simulator and the wind tunnel.

Reaching the final race while still in contention for the constructors’ championship is the first step in Ferrari’s climb toward the title. Since taking over at the start of 2023, team principal Fred Vasseur has overseen steady improvements. The team appears more united and motivated than ever, with on-track results confirming this progress.

Fred Vasseur’s Mentality to Lead Ferrari to the Title

The end of 2024 was a steady climb, and 2025 marks the start of Ferrari’s championship hunt. The arrival of Lewis Hamilton in Maranello adds further motivation, and Fred Vasseur is raising the bar. In recent days, the French team boss made it clear: “The goal must be to do better than last year. We must wake up every morning with the desire to improve on the previous day.”

Closing ranks, rolling up sleeves, and working together toward a single objective—Vasseur is riding the momentum of recent months and aiming for the title with a world-class driver pairing in Leclerc and Hamilton.

Ferrari’s Pre-Vasseur Years: Struggles in Development

The world title has eluded Maranello for far too long. It was in 2008 that Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen secured Ferrari’s last constructors’ championship. One must go even further back to 2007 to find the last drivers’ title, won by Kimi Raikkonen in Brazil at the expense of Lewis Hamilton.

In the following decade, Ferrari came close only with Alonso, missing out at the last moment in 2010 and 2012. During the Sebastian Vettel era, 2017 and 2018 were the years of hope: despite strong starts to the season, development faltered both times, forcing Ferrari to concede defeat in the second half of the championship.

For years, Ferrari was considered difficult to develop, held back by outdated simulators and infrastructure that was no longer up to standard. The simulator and wind tunnel were often labeled as Ferrari’s “Achilles’ heels.” But today, things have changed.

Ferrari’s Simulator and Wind Tunnel Are Now a Source of Pride

Maranello’s wind tunnel was completed in the summer of 2024. The facility has also been equipped with a “rubberized rolling road surface replacing the original metal one.”

The Italian daily newspaper “La Gazzetta dello Sport” provided an in-depth report on this, authored by Paolo Filisetti. According to the analysis, this modification at Maranello has enabled tests with minimal ride heights, a key topic in F1 discussions over the past year.

Furthermore, Ferrari’s simulator is now a source of pride. The new facility was built by Dynisma, a British company considered at the cutting edge of the industry. Many experts believe Ferrari’s simulator is ahead of its rivals, though competitors may catch up with advancements in engine test benches.

In conclusion, in recent seasons, Ferrari has made steady progress in all aspects. The team appears more motivated than ever, and on the technical side, the weaknesses that once hindered Ferrari’s development seem to have been resolved. Now, Ferrari can at least fight on equal terms—the chase for the title can begin.