Alexandre
The season of Formula 1 With the Australian Grand Prix just around the corner, all eyes are already on the battle between Ferrari and McLaren. Visit free practice sessions suggested a very close duel between Ferrari's SF-25 and the orange single-seater. However, in qualifications, McLaren inflicted almost seven tenths on Ferrari. How to explain this setback? A careful analysis of the telemetry sheds light on the situation and reveals why the SF-25 stalled.
A loss of performance due to last-minute changes?
Keen observers had already noted Charles Leclerc's comments: the Maranello team had to make a modification to the SF-25 shortly before the qualifying session. This technical decision has apparently cost us in pure performance. But where and how does this loss translate on the track?
At first glance, one might think that Scuderia Ferrari lack of power or aerodynamic efficiency in a straight line. Yet telemetry shows exactly the opposite. On the circuit's first two straights, Leclerc's top speed was even slightly higher than Lando Norris's (up to 2 km/h more). Likewise, during braking phases, the Monegasque driver pushed his braking zones further back, showing that he was striving to make up time on corner entry.
However, it's in cornering that the McLaren proves far superior. Telemetry shows higher minimum speeds and better traction for the Papaya single-seater. The SF-25 lacks grip in mid-corner, a shortcoming compounded by a perfectible balance. As a result, Leclerc opted for a more V-shaped trajectory, braking late to try and compensate for the lower cornering speed. This strategy was not necessary in free practice, when the Ferrari benefited from better aerodynamic support and a more stable balance.
On re-acceleration, the pattern is repeated: McLaren's curve "climbs" faster, reflecting superior traction. Ferrari managed to close the gap slightly at the end of the straight, but McLaren's advantage on corner exits remained decisive.
An aerodynamic deficit to overcome
Despite satisfactory engine power and proven straight-line efficiency, the SF-25 suffers from a lack of downforce and stability that penalizes its cornering speed and traction on exits. The modifications imposed on the Ferrari before qualifying accentuated these difficulties, paving the way for McLaren's clear advantage in Melbourne. It remains to be seen whether the team from Maranello can quickly correct these weaknesses and regain a competitiveness worthy of its ambitions for the rest of the championship.