Ferrari are unhappy with one thing the FIA have done ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s…read more
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Ferrari’s focus is set on dethroning McLaren and securing their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. The addition of Lewis Hamilton to their already talented roster alongside Charles Leclerc places Ferrari among the strongest lineups on the grid. Fred Vasseur’s team finished just 14 points behind McLaren in the 2024 standings, a margin that represents a mere 0.12% of the points available throughout the season.
Looking back at their near-miss in 2024, Vasseur and his team will undoubtedly reflect on the crucial moments that cost them the title. Among these were four retirements, including a double retirement during the Canadian Grand Prix. While Red Bull appeared on track for another dominant championship win early in the season with four victories from the first five races, McLaren capitalized on Red Bull’s mid-season slump to take advantage, leaving Ferrari with missed opportunities.
The emergence of McLaren, however, did not go unnoticed by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who expressed frustration over what he believed to be unfair advantages gained by their rivals. One particular point of contention was McLaren’s rear-wing design, which had to be altered following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September. There were widespread claims, both publicly and privately, that McLaren’s ‘mini DRS’ rear wing was not entirely in line with the regulations. Ferrari, however, did not join Red Bull in loudly voicing their complaints. Instead, they maintained a more diplomatic approach, which helped Vasseur to preserve a positive relationship with McLaren’s Zak Brown.
Despite their more measured response, Ferrari is still far from pleased with the FIA’s governance. One of the key sources of frustration lies in the new technical changes coming into effect this season. In May, the FIA is set to introduce tighter regulations on the flexibility of F1’s front wings. The purpose of this directive is to limit excessive flexibility, which has proven to be aerodynamically advantageous for teams that have been able to exploit the flexibility of their wings.
While both Ferrari and Red Bull are reported to be well-prepared for these upcoming changes, there is a general sense of dissatisfaction about how the situation has been handled by the FIA. Ferrari, though less vocal than their rivals, has quietly expressed their discontent with the way the new rules have been managed. The tightening of regulations on front wing flexibility is expected to shake up the competitive landscape, but for Ferrari, the issue is not just the technical changes but also how the governing body has overseen the process.
The looming changes are expected to have a significant impact on the balance of power in Formula 1, with some teams already ahead of the curve in terms of preparing for the new regulations. Ferrari, though confident in their technical capabilities, believes that the introduction of such rules could have been handled more transparently and equitably. As they aim to close the gap to McLaren and continue their battle with Red Bull, Ferrari will be hoping that the new season brings fewer challenges off the track and more success on it. However, as the FIA’s governance remains a point of contention, their preparations for the new regulations will likely continue to be a significant focus of discussion.
