Ferrari recorded their strongest efficiency of the 2025 System 1 marketing campaign so far final weekend on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain Worldwide Circuit in Sakhir, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ending fourth and fifth respectively. It was a much-needed consequence for the Maranello-based staff following a difficult begin to the 12 months.
The opening 4 rounds have uncovered limitations within the SF-25, notably for Lewis Hamilton, who has but to seek out his rhythm after becoming a member of from Mercedes. The Italian outfit now trails McLaren by a regarding 94 factors within the Constructors’ Championship. Conscious of their early-season struggles, Ferrari launched a significant replace package deal in Bahrain, which included a redesigned ground, a brand new rear wing, an developed diffuser, and revised cooling elements.
The Monegasque driver was instrumental in extracting the utmost from the up to date package deal. He secured P3 in Q3 and appeared in competition for a podium earlier than a poorly timed security automobile compromised Ferrari’s race technique. Nonetheless, his fourth-place end – matching his consequence from Japan – and Hamilton’s P5 marked a transparent step ahead. For Hamilton, it was his greatest race consequence to this point in crimson, offering a small however important morale increase for the Scuderia.
Regardless of these positives, Ferrari recognized a brand new space of concern that should be addressed. Based on Gazzetta dello Sport, the staff acknowledged ongoing points with efficiency on Pirelli’s exhausting compound tyres. Whereas the SF-25 behaved extra persistently and predictably in Bahrain, it nonetheless lacked competitiveness on the C1 rubber. Charles Leclerc, who had been holding tempo with the leaders, was unable to match George Russell’s lap instances as soon as the Mercedes driver switched to smooth tyres after the protection automobile section.
The staff had already famous indicators of issue with the C1 compound on the Japanese Grand Prix, however the issues turned extra pronounced in Bahrain. Charles Leclerc, on the more durable compound, was anticipated to maintain higher tempo however as an alternative misplaced floor to George Russell, who was on the softer C3 tyres. This uncovered a essential limitation in Ferrari’s tyre efficiency envelope that would damage them at circuits the place more durable compounds are mandated.
Luckily for the Maranello staff, upcoming races could present respiratory area. Pirelli has opted for softer tyre alternatives for the following few rounds, together with Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Imola. In Jeddah and Miami, groups will run the C3, C4, and C5 compounds, whereas the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will see the debut of the brand-new C6 alongside the C4 and C5. This sequence provides Ferrari invaluable time to deal with their points with the more durable tyres earlier than the C1 compound returns to the allocation later within the season.
Though the Sakhir Grand Prix showcased significant progress because of the newest updates, the Italian aspect understands that tyre adaptability will probably be essential for constant efficiency throughout all kinds of tracks. As they put together for his or her residence race at Imola from Could 16–18, fixing this new problem will probably be key to sustaining momentum and shutting the hole to the entrance.
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