Vanzini on Ferrari: “Lift and Coast? Here’s the Reasoning That Might Be Behind It”

by Stefano Zambroni

Italian F1 commentator Carlo Vanzini offered his insight into Ferrari’s challenges in Austria: “But either way, they weren’t going to catch McLaren.”

Ferrari’s use of lift and coast caused a bit of a stir, even though a third and fourth place marked one of the Scuderia’s best weekends so far in 2025. However, as Vanzini explained, there might be a clear reason behind this strategy.

Vanzini on Ferrari: “Lift and Coast? Here’s the Reasoning That Might Be Behind It”
Vanzini on Ferrari: “Lift and Coast? Here’s the Reasoning That Might Be Behind It”

Carlo Vanzini’s Words

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Sky Sport F1 commentator said: “McLaren’s superiority is overwhelming, but it’s true that Ferrari started to fade a bit. Lift and coast? They’re already being asked to do it — joking of course — for Silverstone! That said, both Ferrari drivers were being told to lift and coast, and we discussed it with Matteo Bobbi. He focused mainly on Charles, rightly so, since he was the one fighting for the podium.

But it’s interesting: Charles asked about lift and coast even before the race started — from the bathroom, even (he jokes). Lift and coast can be used for many reasons, but in this case — as Matteo explained — it was mainly to manage temperatures.

Vanzini on Ferrari: “Lift and Coast? Here’s the Reasoning That Might Be Behind It”

The idea is that Ferrari went for a more closed-off, aggressive setup to be more competitive in qualifying: heavily ducted brakes, more aerodynamic aggression — all knowing they’d have to manage more during the race. That’s why they started calling for lift and coast early on: to better manage brake and engine temperatures on a track that puts both under significant stress. It was a risk — but one that paid off with a podium.

It’s true that once they stopped lifting and coasting, their pace improved again. But by then, McLaren had found their rhythm once more. And let’s be honest: right now, in terms of raw performance, nobody can touch this McLaren. Maybe there will be opportunities at places like Baku or Singapore, but on paper, Silverstone is a track that clearly favors McLaren.

Vanzini on Ferrari: “Lift and Coast? Here’s the Reasoning That Might Be Behind It”

I’d be surprised if they didn’t crush the competition there, given how fast they were here in Austria, especially in sectors two and three. And if you’re that strong in those sectors, there’s no reason you won’t be just as fast at Silverstone. That said, yes — now between Norris and Piastri, there’s a championship battle to be fought” , he concluded.

Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP

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