Ferrari prepare first upgrade package of 2025

Encouragingly, the data being produced by the car was relatively consistent with the wind tunnel data.

This accurate correlation is generally a positive, but it does not override Ferrari’s other problems.

As the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes have discovered in recent years, peak downforce does not automatically equate to usable downforce.

In short, if a car’s operating window is too small, consistently capitalising on downforce becomes almost impossible.

McLaren’s success in establishing a large operating window since 2024 has allowed them to compete at various track configurations.

Such consistency and predictability is essential to fight for a title.

Ferrari have shown signs of true competitiveness this year, but the SF-25 has proven tricky to optimise – even compared to the Mercedes W16, which is far more compliant then previous cars from the Brackley factory.

With the 2026 regulations inching closer, Ferrari only have a few months to rectify their early vulnerabilities.

Should they fail to find solutions, or at least develop a better foundation to build upon, they have little chance of closing down McLaren.

Floor upgrade incoming

Arguably the most essential component in modern F1 cars is the floor.

This area has seen immense scrutiny and development since 2022, generally regarded as the foundation for a competitive car in the ground-effect era.

Ferrari have a floor upgrade in the pipeline, which will debut within the next two weeks.

The Bahrain GP seems the most likely date for the SF-25’s new floor to arrive, although Vasseur’s personnel are reportedly pushing to have it ready for this weekend in Suzuka.

For the reasons mentioned previously, Ferrari are understandably eager to bring this upgrade as soon as possible.

The intention is for the modified floor to more efficiently manage the aerodynamic load being produced by the SF-25.

A consequence of this should be a more consistent car, less prone to swings in its characteristics.

Whether this package arrives in Japan or Bahrain, it will nonetheless represent the beginning of Ferrari’s 2025 development.

With wind tunnel hours and development budgets limited, Vasseur’s team cannot afford and missteps with in the coming weeks.