Ferrari Set to Pose Major McLaren Threat as Intense Monza Pressure Looms

Why it matters

Ferrari enters its home Italian Grand Prix at Monza with renewed confidence, poised to challenge McLaren. After a challenging Dutch GP, the unique characteristics of Monza's high-speed circuit are expected to play to the strengths of the SF-25, potentially negating its previous weaknesses.

The big picture

The SF-25's design prioritizes peak performance, making it susceptible to compromise setups on twisty, high-downforce tracks like Zandvoort or the Hungaroring.

• At Zandvoort, the car struggled with elevation changes, banked corners, and a twisty layout.
• Softer suspension setups, needed for such tracks, led to significant bottoming out due to high aerodynamic load.

The details

Monza's layout, dominated by long straights and low-downforce requirements, is a stark contrast.

• Ferrari engineers, leveraging extensive simulations, are confident in extracting the SF-25's full potential with a setup optimized for maximum efficiency and reduced ride heights (thanks to the lack of major surface undulations at Monza).
• The chosen low-downforce aerodynamic configuration results in less load at high speeds.
• Stiffer front and rear suspension settings are implemented to ensure a stable aerodynamic platform.
• Simulator data from Maranello indicates Monza's characteristics and this specific setup largely mitigate the SF-25's typical weaknesses.

What's next

This weekend presents a significant opportunity for Ferrari to compete on nearly equal terms with the dominant McLarens, fueled by the intense pressure and support of the Tifosi at their home circuit.