Vasseur on the SF-25: “Upgrades Coming After Resolving Key Issues”

Ferrari’s team principal has commented on the likely introduction of new developments for the 2025 car. Here are Vasseur’s thoughts on the SF-25

Upgrades incoming. Barely five races into the season and judgments are already being cast—but that’s the nature of the game at Maranello, where the pressure and expectations are unmatched across the F1 grid. The Scuderia’s season start has been nothing short of troubling: just a single podium in five races, a staggering 110-point gap from McLaren in the Constructors’ standings, and a double disqualification in China.

This is precisely where the word upgrades becomes Ferrari’s potential lifeline for the season. The updates introduced in Bahrain, along with the engine change in Jeddah (which showed tangible results), have brought Ferrari closer to McLaren—at least in race trim. Moreover, the team seems to have found a better balance, particularly with Leclerc, who expressed satisfaction with the SF-25’s performance in Sakhir and Saudi Arabia.

“First Priority: Qualifying, Then Development”

So what is Ferrari still lacking to truly take off? Team principal Fred Vasseur appears to have the answer: ” We’ve struggled more in qualifying and that’s our main focus now. Starting from P4 puts you in dirty air, and you lose a couple of seconds in the first 5–6 laps. We need to focus on being more consistent throughout the weekend. Compared to the previous race weekend, we’ve taken a solid step forward in race pace”.

What then is the SF-25’s strongest asset heading into 2025?
“Our race pace was very strong, and I believe the potential is there. We just need to execute better. We don’t need massive updates: if we’re faster than Verstappen and Piastri over 40 laps but lose four-tenths in qualifying, the issue is on our side. We need to work better to start further up. When we do, we can gain 6–7 seconds in the opening laps instead of losing them. The potential is clear, but we’re not putting it all together on Saturdays“.

Anything new at Ferrari? Not exactly. Especially considering that qualifying has long been the Achilles’ heel for the Scuderia—even in 2024. Both Leclerc and Sainz struggled to bring the tyres into the optimal window on a flying lap, despite stronger performances on Sundays. The car may have changed, but the issues seem to persist— if not multiply.

Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP