Ferrari Faces More Challenges Ahead…read more
Ferrari’s turbulent start to the 2025 Formula 1 season has taken another hit as the team prepares for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix without one of its key personnel. After a lackluster performance at the Australian Grand Prix, where they struggled to keep pace with their rivals, the Scuderia now faces further disruption with the absence of technical director Loic Serra in Shanghai.
The Italian outfit entered the 2025 season with high expectations, particularly after a strong showing in 2024 when they pushed McLaren to the limit in the championship race. However, their opening weekend in Melbourne proved to be far from ideal. The much-anticipated Ferrari debut of Lewis Hamilton failed to live up to the hype, as the seven-time world champion finished in a disappointing 10th place. Meanwhile, his teammate, Charles Leclerc, fared only slightly better, crossing the line in eighth.
The Australian Grand Prix was dominated by McLaren, with Lando Norris taking victory after an impressive drive. The British driver managed to hold off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished just one second behind in second place. Completing the podium was Mercedes’ George Russell, securing valuable points for his team. Ferrari, on the other hand, left Albert Park with a sense of frustration, knowing they have a significant gap to close if they want to challenge for the title this year.
Mercedes, Ferrari’s long-time rivals, enjoyed a much stronger weekend, securing a total of 27 points and demonstrating their ability to fight at the front once again. With Red Bull and McLaren also showing strong performances, Ferrari finds itself under immense pressure to improve quickly.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged the disappointing start and has emphasized the need for immediate improvements. Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, he made it clear that the team must raise their performance level if they are to compete for wins and podiums. However, their task will be even more challenging in Shanghai, as they will have to do so without Loic Serra. The absence of the team’s technical director could further complicate Ferrari’s efforts to address the issues they faced in Melbourne.
Serra, who plays a crucial role in Ferrari’s technical operations, is a key figure in optimizing car performance and making crucial setup decisions. His absence means the team will have to rely on other engineering staff to make vital adjustments over the race weekend. Given the competitive nature of the 2025 grid, any disruption in the team’s technical structure could prove costly.
Despite these setbacks, Ferrari remains determined to fight back in China. The team knows they have the resources and talent to turn things around, but with McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes all showing strong form, the Scuderia must act fast to avoid falling further behind in the title race. The Chinese Grand Prix will be a crucial test of Ferrari’s ability to adapt and recover from a rocky start to the season.
