Ferrari’s Weakness Exposed: Vasseur Blames Tire Management for SF-25 Struggles
The Ferrari team is facing a harsh reality as team principal Frederic Vasseur opens up about the struggles of the SF-25 in the 2025 season. In a candid interview with Sky Italia at Imola, Vasseur expressed disappointment over Ferrari’s performance, especially considering their only podium finish in the first six races. He admitted, “We did not expect this start to the season. We have to be honest with ourselves. We expected better. Last year we finished with McLaren slightly faster than us, a couple of tenths, and we were able to fight with them in some situations. We expected to start better, but that’s how it went. This is sports. We have not done the best job so far, and we have a long way to go to close the gap with McLaren.”
When questioned about the weaknesses of the SF-25 in terms of mechanical grip and aerodynamics, Vasseur pointed towards tire management as a critical issue. He acknowledged McLaren’s superior tire performance in warmer temperatures, stating, “It is clear to us and everyone that McLaren, when the temperature is higher, does a much better job with the tires. It is quite difficult to understand. I think it is more a matter of tires and getting into the right window. It’s not that we lack something in fast or slow corners. It depends on the tracks, mainly on the asphalt. I think it’s more about extracting the best from the package we have and the characteristics of the car.”
Vasseur also touched upon the challenges of managing the budget cap and the need to focus on the 2026 season while addressing updates for the current car. He emphasized the importance of making strategic decisions regarding when to shift the team’s focus to the next season, considering the financial constraints imposed by the budget cap. Additionally, he acknowledged the upcoming directive on flexible wings that will come into effect from the Barcelona race, noting that it will bring significant changes but does not guarantee McLaren’s dominance will waver.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Ferrari faces a crucial period of reflection and strategic planning to overcome their weaknesses and emerge stronger in the competitive world of Formula 1.
