Ferrari ready to challenge McLaren: "We'll also push with developments at the start of the season"

02/19/2025 11:36 AM

Ferrari kicks off 2025

With the Fiorano shakedown, Ferrari has officially opened its 2025 season, following last night’s unveiling of the livery and the first look at the car. In front of the usual passionate Tifosi, who gathered at the team’s headquarters from the early hours of the morning, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finally tested the SF-25 on track—the car that Ferrari hopes will end an 18-year drivers' title drought.

Team principal Frédéric Vasseur is not holding back and immediately challenges his McLaren counterpart, Andrea Stella, who had previously stated that the MCL39 would push hard on development from the early races. If Woking is going full throttle, Maranello will not stand by idly, even though the regulatory cycle is coming to an end and 2026 represents the most significant challenge for the teams.

Fred Vasseur's words

“Certainly, we will also develop in the early races,” Fred Vasseur commented in response to a question from the Italian media during the press conference. “I won't say that we will stop working on the current car, but we will be more focused on the 2026 car. The first races and the first update we bring to the car will be crucial for 2025. We will definitely introduce something in the early part of the season.” – the French manager pointed out.

“I think the same will apply to everyone. It's absolutely true that this is the last year of the current regulations. It's obvious to everyone that at some point, a choice will have to be made between 2026 and 2025, but I believe the main factor in that decision will be the championship standings. The current car, the 2025 model, is an extension of the 2024 one. We are all in the same situation,” he continued. “What will determine the focus between 2025 and 2026 is the championship standings after four or five Grands Prix. If you are a second behind, there's no point in continuing development. At the same time, if you are a second ahead, you can shift some focus to 2026. But I don't think either of these scenarios is realistic.” – Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur concluded.

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