Ferrari Test Critical but Subtle Upgrades at Imola

Imola GP Sees Ferrari Prioritize Precision Over Scale in 2025 F1 Development

As the 2025 Formula 1 season rolls into its European phase, all eyes are on the Imola Grand Prix, a circuit steeped in history and renowned for its technical demands. While several teams have chosen to unleash extensive upgrade packages to kickstart this crucial part of the season, Ferrari has taken a more nuanced approach. Instead of arriving at Imola with a radically revised car, the Scuderia has introduced a set of carefully targeted upgrades—modest in appearance, but potentially significant in impact.

A Focus on Efficiency: Rear Wing and Beam Wing Tweaks

One of the most noticeable changes Ferrari brought to Imola lies in the SF-25’s rear wing assembly. For this specific circuit, the team opted for a higher-downforce configuration—an interesting return to components that had not been used since 2024. This decision is tied closely to the nature of Imola, which favors greater aerodynamic grip over outright top speed.

In conjunction with the rear wing change, Ferrari has also simplified the beam wing design. The new beam wing is now a single-element structure, aimed at optimizing airflow beneath the car. This subtle shift is designed to increase vertical load and improve aerodynamic cleanliness at the car’s rear. In technical terms, the goal is to provide a cleaner wake for the diffuser and underfloor, thereby enhancing overall stability.

These changes are not just for this weekend. They’re part of a broader aerodynamic philosophy that Ferrari seems to be refining in small but purposeful increments. While the upgrades may not turn heads in the paddock for their visual drama, they are rooted in deep CFD and wind tunnel analysis.

Rear Brake Duct Innovations to Improve Balance

Another focal point for Ferrari this weekend is the area around the rear brake ducts. Though these elements are rarely the subject of headline-grabbing technical analysis, they play a pivotal role in car balance—particularly under braking.

For Imola, Ferrari has revised the design of both the air inlets and outlets around the rear brakes. Not only has the direction of airflow been changed, but the layout of small aerodynamic fins—commonly referred to as “flaps”—has also been adjusted. These changes aim to reduce instability during deceleration, one of the SF-25’s key handling challenges earlier in the season.

There is also speculation among technical analysts that hidden revisions have been made inside the brake ducts themselves—areas invisible from the outside but critical to thermal management and micro-aero performance. These modifications reflect Ferrari’s intent to enhance rear-end stability, particularly under heavy braking and corner entry, which are crucial at a track like Imola.

Aiming for Leclerc and Hamilton Synergy

Despite currently sitting near the top of the Constructors’ Championship and having two of the most talented drivers on the grid in Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari insiders admit that the SF-25 has yet to fully realize its potential. The updates for Imola are designed to bridge that gap—not through wholesale changes, but through intelligent refinement.

Leclerc has already shown moments of brilliance this season, particularly in qualifying trim, while Hamilton is steadily adjusting to life in red. Both drivers have struggled intermittently with rear-end grip and race pace consistency, two issues these upgrades are intended to address.

Team engineers hope that these changes will allow both drivers to extract more consistent performance across a race weekend. It’s not just about peak lap time—it’s about predictability, drivability, and extracting the last few tenths when it really counts.

The Bigger Picture: Major Updates Looming

Ferrari technical details

While the tweaks introduced at Imola may seem minor in isolation, they are likely a prelude to something more ambitious. Ferrari is reportedly preparing a more significant upgrade package for late June, with particular focus on the rear suspension system.

This larger development is expected to address mechanical grip and rear tire degradation—areas where Ferrari has occasionally fallen short in long stints. If successful, it could give Ferrari the technical edge it needs to maintain its challenge at both championship fronts.

Until then, however, the Scuderia is relying on small, smart steps. As any seasoned engineer in the paddock will tell you, championships aren’t always won by the biggest upgrade—but often by the most effective one.

Conclusion: A Calculated Approach in a Crucial Weekend

Ferrari’s philosophy this weekend is emblematic of a mature, confident team. Rather than chasing headlines with dramatic overhauls, they’re placing their trust in data-driven, precision engineering. With Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel, the SF-25 doesn’t need reinvention—it needs refinement.

As the European season unfolds and technical development accelerates across the grid, Ferrari’s Imola upgrades may well serve as the foundation for something bigger. For now, the message is clear: the Prancing Horse is thinking long-term, and every small detail could make a big difference in the title fight.