Ferrari forced to make SF-25 changes to avoid disqualification following the…read more
Ferrari’s performance in the opening qualifying session of the 2025 Formula 1 season fell short of expectations, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton struggling to achieve competitive results at the Australian Grand Prix. Neither driver could progress beyond the fourth row of the grid, with Leclerc qualifying in 7th and Hamilton in 8th. The team faced significant difficulties in the balance of the SF-25, particularly during the crucial Q3 session.
Despite an optimistic start to the weekend, Ferrari’s fortunes took a sharp downturn on Saturday, leaving many to wonder what led to such a drastic drop in performance. While the team had shown promising signs on Friday, Saturday’s qualifying session highlighted a clear step backward, particularly in comparison to their rivals, including McLaren.
Leclerc explained that Ferrari had been forced to make adjustments to the car setup, fully aware that this would result in some loss of speed during qualifying. However, the gap between Ferrari and their competitors turned out to be larger than anticipated, especially with McLaren showing superior performance. These setup changes, while intended to address some concerns, were apparently more critical than initially thought.
According to rumors circulating in the paddock, these modifications were not just a matter of optimizing the car’s performance but were essential to avoid a disqualification at the end of the weekend. It is believed that Ferrari increased the ride height of the SF-25 to prevent excessive wear on the plank—the wooden floor component that is closely monitored by race officials. This measure was likely taken to avoid a repeat of the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where the team faced a disqualification due to similar issues with the plank wear.
However, this change in setup, while necessary from a regulatory standpoint, appears to have compromised the car’s balance. With the increased ride height, the car’s optimal operating window was significantly narrowed, making it harder for the engineers to find a suitable balance for qualifying. This issue resulted in Ferrari’s underperformance in the final stages of qualifying, which left both Leclerc and Hamilton struggling to extract maximum performance from the SF-25.
Despite the disappointing results in Melbourne, it remains uncertain whether Ferrari’s struggles will persist throughout the rest of the 2025 season. The team’s performance could vary as they continue to adjust the setup and work on improving the car’s balance. The full picture of Ferrari’s competitiveness will become clearer once the race unfolds, and it remains to be seen how the team will address these concerns in the coming races.
In summary, Ferrari’s difficult start to the season can be attributed to a combination of regulatory requirements and setup adjustments that compromised their car’s performance. While their performance in Australia was underwhelming, there is still hope that they can turn things around as the season progresses.
