Over the next twelve months, teams will divert most of their resources to the 2026 regulations. With that said, Ferrari have managed to invest significantly into their 2025 package. In a bid to secure this year’s Championship, Ferrari are leaving nothing to chance.
Ferrari have adapted to optimise their 2025 package
There is no shortage of analysis on Ferrari’s development over the last twelve months.
A strong start to last season, followed by a mid-season slump and later recovery in Monza, defined the Scuderia’s campaign.
Without their blip during the European leg of the season, Fred Vasseur’s team could have clinched the constructors title with rounds to spare.
Still, though Ferrari fell short of the title, momentum is firmly on their side heading into 2025.
Perhaps most encouraging for the Maranello-based outfit has been their very selective resource allocation. After their major round 16 upgrade package, relatively few updates arrived from the factory.
Ferrari’s energy has been focused on their 2025 car for some time. This is the only way for the team to make significant changes whilst mitigating significant risks.
To a large extent, their approach is also informed by the next regulation changes. After all, the packages that will debut in pre-season testing will not see the same evolution as last season’s challengers.
Development into 2026 – especially for an engine manufacturer like Ferrari – will become the priority relatively soon.
Because of this, Ferrari need to hit the ground running. If they accomplish this, they can fight for this season’s title without sacrificing their long-term prospects.
Leclerc has ‘zero doubts’ about Ferrari progress
“But as I said, it’s all relative,” he told ESPN towards the end of last year.
“Everybody within the paddock, there is not one team that is getting worse from one year to the other, but it’s how much of a step forward the others have done.
“So it all really depends on others as well. But on our side, I have zero doubts that we will make a step forward next year [2025], and another one the year after.
“But then I don’t know what the others will do.”
Charles Leclerc has shown unwavering faith in the Ferrari project since arriving at the team six years ago. Perhaps for the first time, the Italian team are heavy favourites to fight for the crown.
READ MORE: Red Bull reveal what could be their kryptonite in 2025
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s arrival will be another element for Ferrari to consider in their 2025 preparations.
The 7-time Champion has already visited the Marnello factory on several occasions, to integrate into the team as quickly as possible.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has no concerns about Hamilton performing at a high level. The Frenchman’s history with Hamilton in GP2 will undoubtedly facilitate this transition.
Having successfully assembled a blockbuster driver line-up, Vasseur will push Ferrari to secure their first Championship since 2008.
The real test for Ferrari is whether they can definitively out-develop McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull.
All three teams are legitimate contenders heading into this year – meaning this year will be a huge test.
Then again, the upcoming 2026 regulations are a complete unknown. Securing a title this season will put an end to the Scuderia’s almost 20-year Championship drought.
