As the Formula 1 season progresses, Ferrari’s performance continues to be scrutinized, and a concerning issue was recently highlighted during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. Onboard footage from Lewis Hamilton’s car during qualifying caught the attention of former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who spotted a potential problem with Ferrari’s SF-25. This issue was particularly noticeable during Sky Sports F1’s coverage, where commentators analyzed the car’s handling and performance under specific conditions.
As the qualifying session unfolded, commentator David Croft remarked, “Looking at the Ferrari, it’s not got the most stable rear end I would have thought.” This observation immediately piqued the interest of Villeneuve, who, with his vast experience in the sport, shared his concerns.
“I was about to say, the Ferrari slides a fair amount,” Villeneuve stated. “We’re looking at the Ferrari, it’s moving around, sliding around, heating up the tyres. That’s not a good sign for the longer run.” His comments echoed the worry that the SF-25, Ferrari’s latest challenger, may be struggling with rear-end stability—an issue that could severely impact the car’s performance over race distances, especially in conditions where tire management and consistent handling are crucial.
Villeneuve’s comments were focused on how the Ferrari’s rear end was reacting under certain conditions, causing the car to slide and struggle to maintain grip. This type of instability is a significant concern, particularly when teams are aiming to optimize tire temperatures and ensure consistent performance throughout the entire race. For a team like Ferrari, which has shown potential in the early part of the season but has often faltered under pressure, these issues could prove costly in crucial race moments.
As the broadcast continued, Villeneuve expanded on the comparison with rival teams, particularly Mercedes. “You could also tell that [George] Russell had a much tighter line,” Villeneuve observed. “He would back off a bit so that he could have a tighter exit and get on the gas better.” Villeneuve was pointing out that while Ferrari’s SF-25 was struggling with rear-end instability, Mercedes’ approach seemed to offer better stability and overall performance. Russell’s ability to take a tighter line and accelerate more efficiently indicated that Mercedes’ car was handling better in comparison to Ferrari’s.
This issue with Ferrari’s rear-end stability and tire management is becoming a recurring theme as the team faces off against rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull. While Ferrari has consistently shown glimpses of potential, it has often been hindered by car setup issues and a lack of balance on track. The difficulty in managing tire wear, especially during longer stints, has been a particular Achilles’ heel, and instability in the rear end could exacerbate this problem.
Ferrari’s performance in the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, and particularly the findings observed by Villeneuve, will likely spark further discussions within the team and among fans. If the team is unable to address these handling issues, they may face additional setbacks as they continue to chase success this season.
With the competitive field tightening and other teams, like Mercedes and Red Bull, continuing to make advancements in car performance, Ferrari’s ability to solve these problems will be critical in their push for better results. If the SF-25 continues to struggle with rear-end instability, it could cost the team valuable points in future races. As the season progresses, Ferrari will need to find ways to rectify these handling issues if they hope to maintain a competitive edge in the ongoing Constructors’ Championship battle.