Ferrari debut four upgrades at Monte Carlo, and return to 2024 rear wing configuration
Ferrari have brought a total of four circuit-specific upgrades to this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, including elements that have been carried over from last season. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo delivers his latest tech debrief.
On the back of Ferrari's home race at Imola, Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in both free practice sessions at his own home round on the opening day at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Despite setting the benchmark on Friday, there was one scary moment for Leclerc, at the start of the first session when he was unable to avoid running into Lance Stroll in the Aston Martin, who had suddenly moved across in front of the Monegasque at the hairpin.
The Monegasque's SF-25 sustained a broken front wing, but he was able to continue to rack up laps in the opening session.
In the second session, Leclerc set a benchmark of 1m11.355s while his team-mate Hamilton did a 1m11.460s. The final part of the hour saw both drivers run with a heavier fuel load in race trim, using the tyres from the start of the session, the Hards for Leclerc and the mediums for Hamilton.
As for the track characteristics, Monaco features narrow streets, tight turns, steep climbs and descents and the famous tunnel that leads onto the harbour.
From a technical point of view, it is a very complicated race: the cars run with maximum aero downforce and with very limited overtaking opportunities, qualifying generally plays a key role in determining the winner.
Ferrari debuted a raft of performance upgrades at last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and the Scuderia brought another host of modifications to Monte Carlo.
The team introduced two circuit-specific upgrades at the front of the car in form of a modified trackrod and suspension fairings.
“Monaco specific front suspension and corner modifications to allow for greater single wheel angle necessary on this particular circuit layout,” stated Ferrari.
Unsurprisingly, the Maranello-based outfit have brought higher downforce package for the Principality.
As for the rear of the car, Ferrari equipped Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s SF25 with higher-downforce rear and beam wing. Interestingly, the Italian team has revealed that they some of the elements are carried over from 2024.
“Introduction of more loaded Top and Lower Rear Wing main and flap profiles, carried over from 2024. This is track specific, with the aim to cover the low aerodynamic efficiency requirements of the Monaco street circuit,” noted Ferrari.
