The recent debate surrounding Ferrari’s frequent use of the “Lift and Coast” technique—commonly referred to as “LiCo”—has generated considerable discussion within the Formula 1 paddock, especially in the aftermath of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix. During that race weekend, the Scuderia Ferrari team made repeated use of this method with both of its drivers, prompting speculation about deeper issues within the Maranello-based outfit’s race strategy and performance. However, Jerome D’Ambrosio has stepped forward to provide clarity, assuring that the practice is neither problematic nor unexpected.
Jerome D’Ambrosio, who temporarily assumed the role of Ferrari Team Principal during the Austrian Grand Prix in the absence of Frédéric Vasseur, addressed the concerns and confirmed that the use of Lift and Coast is part of normal race management. What initially appeared to be a major technical limitation was in fact a calculated and pre-planned element of Ferrari’s race strategy.
The Lift and Coast technique involves the driver lifting off the throttle several meters before the usual braking point. This allows the car to coast forward using its own momentum before the brakes are applied. While this reduces lap time slightly, it offers several strategic advantages: it helps preserve fuel, reduces brake wear, and—on certain circuits like the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya—it minimizes the risk of excessive floor damage on bumpy or uneven surfaces.
Jerome D’Ambrosio: “Lift and Coast is normal and strategic”
Speaking after the race weekend, Jerome D’Ambrosio emphasized that there was no issue to solve, stating that the LiCo practice was expected and integrated into Ferrari’s long-term season plan. “Lift and Coast can be required for a variety of reasons. The reality is that in some races, you try to optimize specific areas of the car. You have to view the season as a whole, as the cumulative total of available points, not just as individual events like Silverstone or Spa,” he explained.
This holistic approach to race and resource management is not unique to Ferrari. Jerome D’Ambrosio pointed out that virtually every Formula 1 team now relies on some degree of Lift and Coast to optimize overall performance across the season. “You’re constantly seeking the best average solution. That means that in certain races, we might need to rely more on Lift and Coast, and that’s perfectly normal—even if it’s uncomfortable for the drivers. I think almost every car on the grid uses it today, so there’s nothing unusual about it.”
Far from being a sign of technical weakness or reliability concerns, the technique is actually part of the overall optimization strategy defined before the season even begins. It allows the team to gain margin in some races while accepting some trade-offs in others, ultimately aiming to maximize points over the course of the year.
Ferrari’s strategic use of Lift and Coast is therefore not an emergency measure or a performance deficit, but rather a deliberate tool to fine-tune their car package and ensure the best possible return from each Grand Prix, based on the broader context of the championship. With D’Ambrosio’s clear explanation, the Maranello team hopes to put an end to the doubts and reassure fans that everything is going according to plan.
