Earlier than utterly shifting focus to the fifth spherical of the 2025 System 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 workforce is attempting to optimise the SF-25 automobile following the introduction of a brand new ground, however the step ahead in tyre administration continues to be lacking. That is an space that requires numerous effort, as a result of as we all know, tyres play an important function within the prime 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 purpose of extending the primary stint and higher managing tyre put on. This alternative solely paid off with Charles Leclerc, who, after a poor begin as a result of decrease grip, was capable of 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 remaining a part of the stint was he capable of enhance his sector occasions. The efficiency enchancment of each Ferrari drivers helped to minimise tyre put on all through the stint. A be aware that we are able to nonetheless see in a constructive gentle.
Oscar Piastri managed his tempo by sustaining a minimal hole to George Russell to stop 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.
Purple Bull concluded probably the most troublesome weekend because the begin of the 2025 System 1 season within the worst doable manner. Larger temperatures and errors made through the pit cease tyre modifications prevented Max Verstappen from working his traditional 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 System 1 world champion couldn’t management overheating and complained of lack of grip all through the stint. Primarily based on the information associated to tyre degradation we are able to see that tyre put on with the Exhausting compound was excessive, forcing the Milton Keynes workforce into an early pit cease. Ferrari, however, hit their efficiency peak exactly on this section of the race, with Charles Leclerc being the quickest on observe.
The Ferrari drivers skilled nearly no degradation, and Lewis Hamilton was in reality the quickest on observe shortly earlier than the Security Automobile was deployed. On this section, 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 Exhausting
Lastly, let’s give attention to the final section of the Bahrain Grand Prix after the Security Automobile. On medium tyres, Oscar Piastri confirmed all of McLaren’s dominance on this observe, 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 higher through 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 vehicles 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 wear and tear 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 probably the most out of the automobile. The difficulty lies within the issue of holding the toughest compound at optimum temperature, thus limiting the grip accessible to the drivers.
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