A theory has surfaced regarding Ferrari’s underperformance during the F1 Australian Grand Prix. The team’s struggles, particularly with Lewis Hamilton’s disappointing debut, could be attributed to a “serious problem” discovered with their 2025 F1 car. The seven-time world champion only managed to finish 10th, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished 8th.
Ferrari’s Tough Weekend at the Australian GP
The Australian GP weekend was a disaster for Ferrari, with a series of strategic and performance-related issues. The team made a crucial mistake by keeping both Hamilton and Leclerc on dry tyres for too long when rain started to fall. This decision ultimately caused them to drop down the order. In dry conditions, Ferrari’s qualifying performance was also subpar, with Leclerc qualifying 7th and Hamilton 8th, well behind McLaren’s pacesetters.
Ride Height Problem: The Source of Ferrari’s Issues?
A report from Motorsport Italy suggests that a significant issue with Ferrari’s SF-25 car may have been to blame. According to the report, Ferrari discovered a “serious problem” on the simulator that revealed the car was too low to the ground during Friday practice. To avoid bottoming out and risking disqualification, the team was forced to raise the car’s ride height. This led to a compromised setup, resulting in less downforce and excessive tyre wear, ultimately diminishing performance.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur Reflects on the Australian GP
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, commented on the team’s struggles, noting that the conditions in Melbourne were not representative of the car’s true performance. He acknowledged that Ferrari failed to optimise the car for the unique demands of the Albert Park Circuit. The team struggled with tyre overheating, which led to significant drops in performance. Vasseur remains hopeful that the Australian GP will be seen as an isolated incident, with the team targeting better results in upcoming races, including the Chinese GP.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ferrari?
While the Australian GP was a disappointment, Vasseur is optimistic that the team can turn things around. He emphasized that Ferrari’s performance in Melbourne was not indicative of the car’s true potential. The team’s focus will now shift to the upcoming races in China and Japan, where they hope to demonstrate the real capabilities of their 2025 F1 car.
