Ferrari dropped the bombshell just in time to revolutionize the Formula 1 season. While Red Bull showed signs of weakness and McLaren consolidated its position as a constant threat, the Prancing Horse took the biggest step forward in its recent history. And what awaits Jeddah could change everything.
Formula 1 never sleeps, and Ferrari knows it. The Italian team has been quietly developing a number of key updates that could be the key to its ultimate resurgence in 2025. After a solid start in Bahrain, where the SF-25 showed signs of being much more competitive than in previous seasons, all eyes now turn to Saudi Arabia, where Ferrari promises to ignite the championship fight.
The awakening of the SF-25
At the Bahrain Grand Prix, many were surprised to see Ferrari challenge Red Bull in certain sections of the race. Although Max Verstappen maintained his overall dominance, the SF-25’s pace was noticeably more consistent, especially in race conditions. Tire wear was kept under control, long-term pace improved significantly, and Leclerc and Sainz proved in sync with a car that, until recently, seemed incapable of staying close to the podium.
But that wasn’t the most important thing.
What’s truly shocking is what was n’t seen in Bahrain. According to sources close to Maranello, Ferrari is holding onto some of its cards, waiting for a more favorable circuit: Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia: The Key Moment
The Jeddah street circuit, with its long straights, fast corners, and aerodynamic demands, is considered one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. For this reason, Ferrari has chosen this location to present a new series of technical updates to its SF-25.
These improvements are expected to include a redesigned aerodynamic package, with modifications to the rear wing and improvements to the floorpan’s efficiency. It is also rumored that they will introduce lighter components to reduce the car’s overall weight, essential to match Red Bull’s performance.
And that’s not all: the simulator has shown encouraging signs that this new package could translate into a gain of between 0.3 and 0.5 seconds per lap in qualifying conditions. If this is confirmed on track, it would put Ferrari in a direct position to fight for pole position and, why not, for victory.
Red Bull, in trouble?
While Ferrari is quietly moving forward, cracks are beginning to appear at Red Bull. Although the Milton Keynes team remains the favorite, the RB20’s balance issues and internal tensions within the coaching staff have raised alarm bells. Furthermore, the car appears to be showing inconsistencies on street tracks, which could work in Ferrari’s favor in Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, McLaren continues to push from the back, but has not yet made the definitive leap that would allow it to become a true contender every weekend. This leaves the door open for Ferrari to seize the opportunity and position itself as the Austrian team’s main challenger.
Can Ferrari win in Jeddah?
The million-dollar question. While it’s still too early to declare victory, the truth is that Ferrari arrives in Saudi Arabia with an unusual dose of confidence. The performance in Bahrain, combined with the upgrade package that will be implemented in Jeddah, has generated optimism both inside and outside the red garage.
Leclerc and Sainz have shown they can get the most out of the SF-25 when the car responds. And if all goes according to plan, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think Ferrari could surprise the world with a victory at a circuit where power and precision make the difference.
The rebirth of the rearing horse
After years of frustration and broken promises, Ferrari could be on the cusp of a new golden age. This isn’t just a technical improvement, but a strategic shift: working in silence, letting the car do the talking on the track, and recapturing the mystique that made Ferrari a motorsport legend.
The Saudi Arabian GP will be the real test. If the SF-25 lives up to its promise, the championship could change hands sooner than many think.
