There is always immense pressure at Ferrari heading into an F1 campaign, and this year is no exception. For obvious reasons, Lewis Hamilton joining the Scuderia has only intensified the scrutiny at Maranello.
His individual performance, as well as that of the SF-25, will be under a microscope at the first round of 2025 in Bahrain.
Ferrari’s trajectory from last season has created optimism about their chances of contending this year. Unfortunately for the Maranello outfit, some dilemmas emerged from the Bahrain tests.
Ferrari have some doubts about optimising the SF-25
In many ways, McLaren picked up where they left off in 2024 over the course of Bahrain testing.
The MCL39 was comfortably the most impressive car in Sakhir, particularly in terms of long-run pace.
Whilst the papaya team are managing expectations, their 2025 package looks ominous.
Not only was the MCL39’s stability obvious to all observers, but tyre degradation was almost non-existent in McLaren’s race simulations.
This combination makes them the favourites ahead of round 1 in Australia – and creates a headache for their rivals.
Among them is Ferrari, who did not enjoy such a smooth test. This is no to say the SF-25 was uncompetitive or a complete surprise in terms of its behaviours.
Ferrari are understood to be broadly satisfied with the correlation between the factory and track. With that said, there are concerns that must be addressed.
Arguably the most significant worry is regarding set-up, with the Maranello-based operation unable to find the ideal operating window to optimise the SF-25.
There certainly isn’t any panic at the Scuderia. Since becoming Team principal in 2023, Fred Vasseur has overseen far more difficult periods at Ferrari and led his squad to the other side.
Because of this, making definitive statements about the SF-25 would be premature.
Only qualifying in Melbourne will provide the first concrete indications of where they stand in the pecking order.
Still, it would be inaccurate to suggest that Ferrari are completely confident in how they will perform in round one.
The SF-25 has proven a tricky car to optimise, albeit at this very early stage of the year.
Of course, next weekend in Australia will confirm if the car’s operating window – or pure performance – is the biggest limitation.
Mercedes and even Red Bull are recent examples of teams who fell victim to small operating window. Ferrari want to avoid this scenairo.
Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (amidst some positive feedback) admitted to certain limitations after pre-season testing.
Ferrari must keep themselves within striking range
As demonstrated last season, the Scuderia are more than capable of making corrections.
Their response to a largely counter-productive update package at the Spanish GP helped salvage their season.
However, Ferrari will hope they can find solutions in the simulator and wind tunnel to establish a strong baseline Australia.
McLaren will be very difficult to beat, even in a scenario where the SF-25 is within touching distance of the MCL39.
Should the Italian squad get off to a slow start, making a recovery will be more difficult than last season. As mentioned frequently in recent months, the 2026 regulations demand a huge amount of attention and resources.
Although Ferrari have stated they will not abandon 2025 if they are fighting for a Championship, this does not mean they will waste wind tunnel hours if the deficit to McLaren is too large.
Because of this, how Ferrari navigate the opening few rounds will be essential.
