This weekend, Formula 1 returns to the track at the Jeddah street circuit, the fifth round of the World Championship. The fast and flowing layout and the nature of the asphalt offer characteristics that could suit the Ferrari SF-25 particularly well.
Ferrari leaves Bahrain having had what has so far been the best weekend of its season, after a start that fell well short of expectations. The updates introduced at the last GP appear to have borne their first fruits, fueling hopes of a turnaround for the SF-25.
At Jeddah, Ferrari can therefore count not only on a favorable track but also on the technical developments brought to Bahrain, which seem to have breathed new life into an SF-25 that has shown signs of improvement.
According to Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari has significantly widened the car’s operating window, largely thanks to the new floor, designed to increase aerodynamic load and capable of working effectively even with low ride heights. An estimated 30% improvement in the car’s operational efficiency compared to the previous Bahrain race has been reported. In addition, the team is said to have focused on achieving better mechanical traction, experimenting with various rear suspension configurations.
But it’s not just the updates that inspire optimism: the layout of the Jeddah track is also an ally for the SF-25.
The Jeddah track suits the SF-25 well
Jeddah is the fastest street circuit on the calendar, with an average speed exceeding 250 km/h. The asphalt is smooth and not very abrasive, and the near-total absence of bumps allows for stiffer setups and lower ride heights.
The track also requires a car that is stable at the front and very precise in high-speed direction changes, especially in the first sector, characterized by a sequence of fast corners. Cars that excel in lateral grip and aerodynamic efficiency will have the upper hand, particularly in tackling the long straights and three DRS zones.
So far, Ferrari has proven solid in fast corners but has struggled in low-speed sections, a type of corner that is rare in Jeddah.
Moreover, the SF-25 has shown excellent efficiency on straights, something it can take advantage of. The smooth asphalt will also allow it to run with a lower ride height, a condition that benefits the car, since Ferrari suffers when forced to run higher.
For the occasion, Ferrari is also expected to introduce a new medium-low downforce rear wing, designed to make the most of the long high-speed sections and the three DRS zones.
Jeddah therefore seems to suit Ferrari perfectly, and the team desperately needs to rediscover the performance that has been lacking so far.
Source: f1ingenerale
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