Earlier than utterly shifting focus to the fifth spherical of the 2025 Method 1 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, let’s take yet one more take a look at some key insights from Ferrari’s weekend on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain Worldwide Circuit in Sakhir. The Italian facet made a small step ahead in comparison with the primary a part of the weekend, though the consequence stays inadequate. The Maranello group is making an attempt to optimise the SF-25 automobile following the introduction of a brand new flooring, however the step ahead in tyre administration continues to be lacking. That is an space that requires lots of effort, as a result of as we all know, tyres play an important position within the high class of motorsport.
Given the degradation seen within the first two free follow periods, the Ferrari engineers and technicians opted for a extra versatile technique, with the goal of extending the primary stint and higher managing tyre put on. This selection solely paid off with Charles Leclerc, who, after a poor begin attributable to decrease grip, was in a position to preserve a tempo just like the drivers forward of him.
Lewis Hamilton, however, repeatedly complained a couple of lack of grip and solely within the last a part of the stint was he in a position to enhance his sector occasions. The efficiency enchancment of each Ferrari drivers helped to minimise tyre put on all through the stint. A notice that we will nonetheless see in a optimistic mild.
Oscar Piastri managed his tempo by sustaining a minimal hole to George Russell to forestall him from utilizing the drag discount system. As seen primarily based on the telemetry knowledge from the ultimate a part of the primary stint, Oscar Piastri was removed from pushing the automobile to its restrict. In the meantime, George Russell was skilful in managing tyre put on. Making the most of a softer rear setup, the Briton made good use of the throttle on nook exit, stopping his rival from overtaking.
Crimson Bull concluded essentially the most troublesome weekend because the begin of the 2025 Method 1 season within the worst attainable means. Larger temperatures and errors made throughout the pit cease tyre modifications prevented Max Verstappen from working his standard race. The issues started already within the qualifying session, forcing the reigning world champion right into a comeback drive. Caught within the midfield, the four-time Method 1 world champion couldn’t management overheating and complained of lack of grip all through the stint. Based mostly on the info associated to tyre degradation we will see that tyre put on with the Arduous compound was excessive, forcing the Milton Keynes group into an early pit cease. Ferrari, however, hit their efficiency peak exactly on this part of the race, with Charles Leclerc being the quickest on monitor.
The Ferrari drivers skilled just about no degradation, and Lewis Hamilton was the truth is the quickest on monitor shortly earlier than the Security Automotive was deployed. On this part, nevertheless, the Monegasque driver suffered from the turbulence in George Russell’s slipstream, which prevented him from managing overheating. The Monegasque’s aim was to finish the overtake on the Brit rapidly, however Mercedes’ sturdy finish of straight pace prevented it.
Bahrain GP third stint: Ferrari suffers from extreme degradation on the Arduous
Lastly, let’s give attention to the final part of the Bahrain Grand Prix after the Security Automotive. On medium tyres, Oscar Piastri confirmed all of McLaren’s dominance on this monitor, with the Australian lapping over half a second sooner per lap than his rivals. The cooler temperatures in comparison with Saturday restricted this benefit, which had appeared better throughout the free follow periods.
Lando Norris didn’t present the identical efficiency as his McLaren teammate, being slowed first by Charles Leclerc after which by George Russell. All different automobiles struggled with tyre degradation administration in a stint run in dash race mode. Because the telemetry knowledge additionally confirms, each Ferrari drivers did not handle the damage of the toughest compound. The Maranello automobile was closely restricted by understeer which, as Lewis Hamilton confirmed over the radio, prevented the required rotation to get essentially the most out of the automobile. The problem lies within the problem of holding the toughest compound at optimum temperature, thus limiting the grip obtainable to the drivers.
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