Earlier than fully shifting focus to the fifth spherical of the 2025 Components 1 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, let’s take yet one more 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 outcome stays inadequate. The Maranello crew 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 plenty of effort, as a result of as we all know, tyres play a vital function within the high class of motorsport.
Given the degradation seen within the first two free follow classes, the Ferrari engineers and technicians opted for a extra versatile technique, with the intention of extending the primary stint and higher managing tyre put on. This alternative solely paid off with Charles Leclerc, who, after a poor begin attributable to decrease grip, was capable of preserve a tempo much like the drivers forward of him.
Lewis Hamilton, however, repeatedly complained a few lack of grip and solely within the closing 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 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 based mostly 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.
Pink Bull concluded probably the most troublesome weekend for the reason that begin of the 2025 Components 1 season within the worst potential method. Increased temperatures and errors made through 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 Components 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 Onerous compound was excessive, forcing the Milton Keynes crew 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 monitor.
The Ferrari drivers skilled just about no degradation, and Lewis Hamilton was in actual fact the quickest on monitor 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 objective was to finish the overtake on the Brit shortly, however Mercedes’ robust finish of straight pace prevented it.
Bahrain GP third stint: Ferrari suffers from extreme degradation on the Onerous
Lastly, let’s concentrate on 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 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 through the free follow 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 vehicles struggled with tyre degradation administration in a stint run in dash race mode. Because the telemetry knowledge additionally confirms, each Ferrari drivers didn’t 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 mandatory rotation to get probably the most out of the automobile. The difficulty lies within the issue of protecting the toughest compound at optimum temperature, thus limiting the grip out there to the drivers.
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