Ferrari‘s Limitations Laid Bare as Monza Weekend Unfolds
Ferrari’s hopes of a triumphant return at the Italian Grand Prix were dashed as they struggled against Red Bull’s dominance, revealing the fundamental limitations of their 2025 F1 car at Monza. Despite the fervent support from fans, the Prancing Horse’s performance highlighted persistent issues, even on a circuit where they had hoped to shine.
Monza: A Harsh Reality Check
The Monza circuit, revered for its high-speed straights and technical corners, served as both a challenge and an opportunity for Ferrari. Unfortunately, the SF-25’s design shortcomings became painfully evident as the race unfolded.
Qualifying Disappointment
Despite high expectations, Ferrari’s lack of pace during qualifying effectively extinguished hopes of a first win this season. The team ended up starting from fourth and sixth positions, underscoring a significant gap behind frontrunners Mclaren and Red Bull.
Race Day Shortcomings
The race proved predictably linear, absent of the uncertainties that had graced previous seasons, further compounding Ferrari’s struggles. While drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz pushed hard, their efforts were ultimately futile against a backdrop of aerodynamic inefficiency.
Aerodynamic Limitations Underscored
At Monza, the SF-25’s inability to generate sufficient aerodynamic load was a key concern. Fred Vasseur’s post-race analysis pointed to “last tenths” that the car lacked in direct comparison to the McLaren, a critical margin that could not be overlooked.
Cornering Performance
In the race’s latter stages, analysis revealed that the SF-25 lost crucial speed in corners, notably at Ascari and Parabolica, lagging as much as 10-11km/h behind competitors. Although Ferrari enjoyed a slight speed advantage on the straights, it wasn’t enough to offset the losses in cornering speed, resulting in an average deficit of approximately two and a half tenths per lap compared to McLaren.
Tyre Management as a Silver Lining
Interestingly, the SF-25’s slower cornering speed allowed for reduced tyre strain, presenting a glimmer of hope midway through the race. The team’s strategy of employing a lower load setup mitigated tyre degradation, allowing for a more gradual pace as the race progressed.
The Competitive Landscape
This season has shown that Red Bull consistently excels in high-speed corners, backed by unparalleled stability and aerodynamics—a stark contrast to Ferrari’s challenges. The SF-25’s weaknesses were magnified at Monza, revealing a design that could not keep pace with its rivals.
Conclusion: A Season of Reckoning
Ferrari’s Monza outing reflects a deeper struggle within its technical Arsenal. What was meant to be a resurgence ended up exposing persistent design flaws that hinder their competitiveness. The Italian Grand Prix became a sobering reminder that, despite hopes for redemption, the SF-25 has a long way to go in bridging the gap to its rivals.
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