Earlier than fully shifting focus to the fifth spherical of the 2025 System 1 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, let’s take another have a look at some key insights from Ferrari’s weekend on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain Worldwide Circuit in Sakhir. The Italian aspect made a small step ahead in comparison with the primary a part of the weekend, though the end result stays inadequate. The Maranello crew 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 remains 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 prime class of motorsport.
Given the degradation seen within the first two free observe classes, 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 selection solely paid off with Charles Leclerc, who, after a poor begin resulting from decrease grip, was capable of preserve a tempo just like the drivers forward of him.
Lewis Hamilton, then again, repeatedly complained a few lack of grip and solely within the closing a part of the stint was he capable of enhance his sector instances. The efficiency enchancment of each Ferrari drivers helped to minimise tyre put on all through the stint. A word that we are able to nonetheless see in a constructive mild.
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 information 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. Profiting from a softer rear setup, the Briton made good use of the throttle on nook exit, stopping his rival from overtaking.
Purple Bull concluded essentially the most tough weekend because the begin of the 2025 System 1 season within the worst potential manner. Increased temperatures and errors made throughout the pit cease tyre modifications prevented Max Verstappen from operating his typical 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. Based mostly on the information associated to tyre degradation we are able to see that tyre put on with the Arduous compound was excessive, forcing the Milton Keynes crew into an early pit cease. Ferrari, then again, hit their efficiency peak exactly on this section of the race, with Charles Leclerc being the quickest on monitor.
The Ferrari drivers skilled nearly no degradation, and Lewis Hamilton was actually the quickest on monitor shortly earlier than the Security Automotive was deployed. On this section, nonetheless, the Monegasque driver suffered from the turbulence in George Russell’s slipstream, which prevented him from managing overheating. The Monegasque’s purpose was to finish the overtake on the Brit shortly, however Mercedes’ sturdy finish of straight velocity prevented it.
Bahrain GP third stint: Ferrari suffers from extreme degradation on the Arduous
Lastly, let’s deal with the final section 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 higher throughout the free observe classes.
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 information 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 essentially the most out of the automobile. The problem lies within the issue of maintaining the toughest compound at optimum temperature, thus limiting the grip accessible to the drivers.
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