Ferrari's Bold Move at the Austrian Grand Prix
Ferrari has made a significant statement during the 2025 Formula 1 season with its latest updates ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. The team, one of the 'Big Four' in the sport, is aiming to address a challenging start to the year by introducing a series of aerodynamic improvements, particularly focusing on the car's floor design.
New Floor Design for Improved Performance
The most notable change involves the four 'defined' floor sections, which have been effectively redesigned into an entirely new floor for the Red Bull Ring weekend. During the first practice session (FP1), Lewis Hamilton's car was equipped with aero rakes to evaluate the performance of these modifications and to provide data that aligns with Ferrari's simulator tools.
The majority of the changes are located underneath the car, with modifications made to the floor fences, the central section of the floor body, and the diffuser. Additionally, the revised floor edges feature minor geometrical updates, including a redesign of the small flick-up situated behind the front, outer fence.
This specific modification, known as the floor 'edge wing,' has a reduced camber. This means the top edge of the flick-up is brought further down, altering the angle of the airflow expelled from this area of the car. These adjustments are aimed at improving the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle.
Technical Notes and Aerodynamic Enhancements
According to Ferrari's pre-event technical notes, the updated floor package includes front floor fences designed to enhance the vorticity released downstream. The reshaped boat and tunnel expansion have also been reoptimized, along with the floor edge loading and diffuser volume distribution. These changes contribute to an overall load gain across the car's operating envelope.
Understanding Ride Heights and Ground Effect
Ferrari typically runs its SF-25 at higher ride heights, which may sacrifice peak performance but offers greater consistency. Running the car low increases reliance on the 'ground effect,' where the pressure under the car is reduced by forcing airflow to accelerate. This creates a lower pressure underneath, resulting in a greater pressure difference compared to the higher pressures experienced on the top side of the car.
The air naturally tries to equalize this pressure difference, but since an F1 car is not porous, it results in aerodynamic loading on the car. At higher ride heights, achieving this effect becomes more challenging, requiring aerodynamicists to manipulate the floor design to produce similar levels of downforce.
Balancing Qualifying and Race Performance
While Ferrari has struggled less in races so far in 2025, the team has faced challenges with qualifying speed. On a hot lap with low fuel and fresh soft tyres, factors such as tyre temperatures, balance, and top-end downforce play a crucial role. These elements are slightly less important during races, where consistency and tyre management become key.
Charles Leclerc highlighted the difficulty of getting the tyres into the right window, stating that while the team may be missing something, their car limitations make it harder to push to the absolute limit in qualifying compared to race conditions, where their strength lies.
Consistent Downforce and Future Prospects
Across this generation of cars, consistent downforce levels have proven to be more critical than achieving peak performance. Maintaining a steady level of load across various conditions can ensure that a driver remains competitive throughout a race weekend. If Ferrari can achieve this balance in qualifying as well, the team may begin to see stronger results through an improved 2025 package.
As the season progresses, the focus will remain on refining these aerodynamic elements and addressing the challenges that come with balancing performance and consistency. For Ferrari, the goal is clear: to find a way to consistently challenge for podium finishes and ultimately return to the top of the podium.
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