Fred Vasseur Disagrees with Ferrari’s Plan to Introduce New….read more
Ferrari’s Formula 1 team is currently grappling with a significant decision regarding their car’s performance ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. According to a report from the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, the team is considering introducing a new floor for their SF-25 car, which could improve the balance and aerodynamics of the vehicle. However, team principal Fred Vasseur has expressed concerns over implementing this update too soon, and tensions are rising between him and the technical staff.
Ferrari’s aero department has already designed the new floor, and simulations suggest that it would provide an improvement in the car’s performance. The new part could potentially help address some of the issues faced by Ferrari, particularly with the setup of their car during races. One key issue that has been raised is how to manage the car’s ride height to avoid problems such as excessive plank wear, which led to Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix.
In the Chinese race, Hamilton was penalized for having excessive plank wear due to running his car too low to the ground. The seven-time world champion has a history of preferring a lower car setup, but this has sometimes led to technical issues. The new floor could potentially allow for a slight increase in the ride height, helping to prevent further disqualifications while still maintaining competitive performance.
Despite the potential benefits, Vasseur is not fully convinced that introducing the new floor is the best course of action at this stage. He and his engineering team are more focused on resolving the SF-25’s overall balance issues before adding any new parts to the car. Vasseur is worried that introducing the floor too soon might cover up more critical underlying problems with the car’s handling, which could ultimately hinder the team’s long-term development.
Ferrari’s technical director, Enrico Serra, shares Vasseur’s concerns, and the pair believe that the floor should be part of a larger update package planned for the Miami Grand Prix, rather than being rushed into the car for Bahrain. This package, which will include several key components aimed at improving the overall performance and balance of the SF-25, is expected to be more comprehensive and effective in addressing the team’s current struggles.
As it stands, Ferrari has set a deadline for Thursday to make a final decision on whether to introduce the new floor in Bahrain. The team will need to weigh the potential benefits of the new component against the risk of it obscuring more pressing issues that require attention. This decision is crucial for Ferrari, as they look to improve their performance and competitiveness in the 2025 season.
The situation has sparked a debate within the team, as Vasseur’s cautious approach contrasts with the optimism of the technical department. His primary goal is to ensure that any changes made to the car are part of a more strategic, long-term plan to resolve the SF-25’s balance and performance issues. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, Ferrari’s team management faces a critical choice in their efforts to build a car that can compete at the highest level
in Formula 1.
