Fred Vasseur has indicated that Ferrari is expected to introduce upgrades to the SF-25 at the Austrian Grand Prix next weekend.
Vasseur has announced that enhancements will be introduced on the SF-25 in the upcoming weeks, although the Frenchman minimized the significance of the competitive boost these modifications might provide.
Ferrari poised to launch enhancements at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Other than circuit-specific adjustments at recent races, Ferrari’s modifications to the SF-25 have been notably minor regarding its development trajectory.
However, this will alter in the subsequent rounds, as Vasseur stated that updates are on the way for next weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring.
It has been speculated that the improvements will concentrate on modifications to the rear pullrod suspension of the SF-25, aiming to enhance the car’s stability following the Scuderia’s transition from push to pullrod suspension during the winter.
The goal is to operate the car within a more performance-focused ride height range, which Ferrari is thought to have had difficulty achieving since Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification at the Chinese GP due to excessive plank wear caused by being too low.
An upgrade will occur shortly, prior to the UK. “Maybe another one a little later,” Vasseur mentioned following the Canadian Grand Prix.
“However, truthfully, today, I believe there is far more in the execution and what you derive from the vehicle than in the car’s inherent potential.”
“Currently, we have reached the conclusion of the lifespan of these regulations, and we all understand that when we are aligning things, we are focusing more on hundredths rather than tenths.”
Seemingly minimizing the anticipated performance improvements of the upgrade, Vasseur indicated that execution will be more significant than physical modifications to the car regarding outcomes.
“If you don’t utilize the car effectively due to the slightly altered setup, you could lose tenths,” he stated.
“A few times, at least for us – and we’re not alone – when we implemented upgrades previously, it took one or two races to adjust the car and configure the set-up to the updated version.”
“Honestly, I believe that, and I want to emphasize the team, there is far more [to come from] the execution than just the car’s raw potential.” “However, we will provide something.”
When asked about the possibilities in Austria, Vasseur responded, “I believe we managed to lead in Monaco, and we were ahead during the initial segment of the qualifying lap there.”
We need to aim for accomplishing this. However, to succeed and start from the front rows, aiming for a pristine weekend like Monaco, we must ensure a very flawless execution throughout the weekend. “It’s where we significantly fell short in Canada.”
After starting fifth on the grid in Canada and finishing sixth on Sunday, Hamilton discussed how various elements of the car have been “not functioning” as the weekend went on.
Frequently, we complete FP1 and then, in earlier races, FP2 sessions haven’t been very good due to issues with the car – such as the floor malfunctioning or the rear wing not functioning properly.
“There has always been a factor that indicated we were lacking in downforce or similar.” You have a poor FP2, and you’re somewhat recuperating in FP3.
“However, we had a strong and productive day yesterday, and today we continued to advance.” We didn’t alter much, and the car felt sturdy. We made progress, which I believe is a first for this season. “I’m thankful to have made it to Q3.”
Hamilton has stated that changes to his driving style have led to some improvement in recent races, while the British driver has been upfront about the necessity for upgrades if Ferrari aims to compete with the quickest teams.
“It’s merely gradual progress,” he stated.
“We haven’t made any upgrades or anything of that sort; it’s been the same vehicle for a considerable period now.” And, using the same set each weekend, I’m simply pushing the guys.
“I’m always challenging the engineers by posing questions.” They establish procedures and say, ‘This is our usual way of doing it,’ and I respond, ‘What if we try this instead?’
“We experiment with various approaches, and gradually, we are advancing.” We’re enhancing our qualifying from Monaco onwards, which is a good sign. In the end, we require enhancements. “We require an enhancement to confront the individuals in the front.”
As all the teams navigate the delicate task of improving their existing cars to remain competitive this season while also working on the groundbreaking F1 2026 cars, Hamilton stated that the “priority” is to create a race-winning car for the upcoming regulations.
I’m spending the initial half of the year with a new team. “It’s fascinating to observe the various ways that teams function and collaborate,” he stated.
“There have been occasions in my career when numerous upgrades occur very early in the season, and you push forward rapidly at first, then slow down and reduce pace, while at other times it has been more gradual.”
“It’s also, in the final year of this generation of vehicles, more challenging to discover performance, and you could, at a minimum, concentrate on the upcoming year.”
“The reality is that, with this car, we can still aspire to secure a second place in the Constructors’, which would be fantastic, but my priority is having a car that can win next year.”
