Ferrari Targets SF-25 Potential After Disappointing Start

Frederic Vasseur, the Ferrari team boss, stated that the team needs to figure out how to `unlock the full potential` of their 2025 car. This statement comes before the Japanese Grand Prix, following a difficult start to the season.

The team`s poor performance, including a double disqualification in the previous China race, has placed them fifth in the Constructors` Championship. They are currently 61 points behind McLaren, the current leaders, and are looking for a better performance at Suzuka.

While the SF-25 car has shown glimpses of strong performance, such as Lewis Hamilton`s pole position and Sprint race win in Shanghai, it hasn`t consistently competed with top rivals. Neither Hamilton nor Charles Leclerc has finished in the top four in any full Grand Prix race so far.

Vasseur mentioned in the team`s preview for the Japanese GP that the entire team is focused on enabling Charles and Lewis to consistently utilize the SF-25`s full capabilities. He added that they have only managed to achieve this level of performance during practice sessions and the Sprint race in China.

He emphasized that Formula 1 is about precision in every detail, from factory preparations to on-track execution and adapting to changing race conditions.

Vasseur concluded that once they achieve consistent performance in all these areas, they will have a clearer understanding of their competitive position.

After losing the 18 points from their initial fifth and sixth-place finishes in China, Ferrari now has only 17 points. This is their weakest start to a season after two races since 2009, and they are currently behind Williams in fourth place based on a countback.

Ferrari Faces Key Weekend in Japan

Commentator Ted Kravitz noted Ferrari`s crucial situation for the upcoming weekend.

Kravitz highlighted Ferrari as a major focus for the weekend, describing their recent double disqualification as a `disaster` and `calamitous`.

He pointed out the low points tally of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in the driver standings and expressed keen interest in seeing Ferrari`s response and performance in the upcoming race.

Regarding Hamilton`s beginning with Ferrari, Kravitz added:

Kravitz believes Hamilton might be satisfied with the team`s direction, especially after his Sprint win in China. However, he stressed that Ferrari needs to regain its competitive edge.