Ferrari’s Anticipated Progress in Formula 1

Despite a single podium finish by Charles Leclerc in Jeddah, Ferrari is optimistic about a stronger performance in the upcoming months. The Italian powerhouse is pinning its hopes on stricter front wing tests, set to be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix in late May.

The Impact of FIA’s Front Wing Test Changes

Leclerc believes that the FIA’s crackdown on front wing flexibility will significantly impact Ferrari’s performance, potentially giving them an edge over rivals like McLaren and Mercedes who are currently excelling in flexible aero elements.

Ferrari’s Upcoming Upgrade Package

Ferrari plans to introduce a major upgrade package at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, aiming to enhance the SF-25’s downforce. This upgrade is expected to be fully unveiled two weeks later at Barcelona.

The goal is to rectify some of the car’s flaws, particularly addressing the lack of downforce at the rear end that causes instability, affecting Lewis Hamilton’s confidence during braking and corner entry. Leclerc, on the other hand, has been more successful in compensating through his driving style.

Performance Gap Between Ferrari and Rivals

It’s not just about rectifying flaws; Ferrari has been trailing McLaren by 0.323s in qualifying over the last four rounds. This gap can also be attributed to the SF-25 representing a smaller step forward than the MCL39 compared to their respective predecessors – 0.857s to 1.359s. Ferrari may have initially overestimated the competitiveness of its new challenger.

The Role of Barcelona Grand Prix as a Litmus Test

Barcelona will serve as a significant test for Ferrari, given that rivals are also expected to introduce updates. However, expectations should be tempered, considering the previous technical directive on rear wing flexibility had minimal impact.