Ferrari’s Tough Start to 2025 Formula 1 Season Persists

The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a challenging one for the iconic Maranello outfit, Ferrari. Despite Lewis Hamilton’s victory at the Chinese sprint, the team has managed only one top-three finish so far this year. On a positive note, Charles Leclerc secured a spot on the front row of the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hamilton and Leclerc’s Qualifying Performance

Hamilton qualified ninth for the race, while Leclerc took the spot alongside pole-sitter Oscar Piastri after George Russell received a one-place grid penalty. Speaking to the media following qualifying, Leclerc expressed his surprise at securing third place and shared his optimism about the team’s progress.

Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo voiced his concerns about the team’s current struggles in an interview with Sky Italia, which was translated by Sky UK. He criticized the team for lacking leadership and expressed hope that Leclerc’s front-row start would translate into a strong race performance.

Ferrari’s Upgrade Package

The Fred Vasseur-led team introduced an upgrade package to the SF-25 in Bahrain, focusing primarily on a new floor. Both drivers have reported positive feedback about the changes, with Leclerc suggesting that they may be on the right track towards improved performance.

Leclerc explained his surprise at securing third place and shared his belief that the team’s exploration of extreme setups in recent weeks has contributed to his progress. He expressed hope for further improvements in the upcoming races. The team has worked tirelessly to bring these upgrades, although Bahrain may not be the ideal track to showcase them.

Leclerc concluded by acknowledging that the upgrade package represents a small gain rather than a significant one, but he remains optimistic about its potential impact in future races. He suggested that if they are P3 today, given the fine margins between third and fourth place, the upgrades have undoubtedly helped.