Ferrari Unleashes Game-Changing Upgrades for F1 Austrian GP Showdown
In a bold move to dominate the F1 scene, Ferrari has rolled out groundbreaking upgrades ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, aiming to turn the tide on their rocky start to the 2025 season. The Italian team unveiled significant updates to four crucial floor sections, essentially debuting what could be considered a brand-new floor design specifically tailored for the Red Bull Ring race weekend.
During FP1, Lewis Hamilton’s car was equipped with a series of aero rakes to assess the upgrades’ performance on the track and gather essential data to compare with Ferrari’s cutting-edge simulator tools. Most of the modifications were focused underneath the car, including adjustments to the floor fences, central floor body, and the diffuser. Notably, the revised floor edges showcased minor yet impactful geometrical updates, particularly on the floor ‘edge wing’ positioned behind the front outer fence. The alterations resulted in a refined shape with a shorter trailing section, enhancing airflow efficiency around the car.
Ferrari’s pre-event technical brief highlighted the key improvements, stating, “this floor package features updated front floor fences targeting an enhanced vorticity released downstream. The reshaped boat and tunnel expansion have been subsequently reoptimized, together with the floor edge loading and diffuser volume distribution, leading to an overall load gain across the car operating envelope.”
Known for running their SF-25 at higher ride heights, Ferrari’s strategy sacrifices peak performance in favor of enhanced consistency. By creating a lower pressure underneath the car through ground effect, Ferrari aims to maximize aerodynamic loading and overall performance. While the team has faced challenges in qualifying speed during the 2025 season, their strength lies in race-day consistency and tire management.
Driver Charles Leclerc acknowledged the team’s struggle in finding the optimal tire window for qualifying laps but emphasized their strong performance in race conditions. Maintaining consistent downforce levels across various driving conditions is crucial for Ferrari to excel throughout a race weekend. By fine-tuning their 2025 package and achieving a balance between peak performance and steady downforce, Ferrari aims to secure stronger results on the track.
As Ferrari gears up with these revolutionary upgrades, all eyes are on the Austrian Grand Prix to witness the impact of these game-changing enhancements on the team’s performance and competitiveness in the fiercely contested world of Formula 1.