Ferrari Faces Crucial Test: Can the SF-25 Deliver in China?

The Scuderia faces mounting pressure after a disastrous Melbourne weekend. Can Vasseur and his team turn things around in Shanghai’s sprint showdown?

The first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne was a wake-up call—both figuratively and literally—for Ferrari fans. Seeing the Scuderia outqualified by a Williams and a Racing Bulls was a shocker.

Then came the race. Poor overall performance, combined with strategic missteps, left Charles Leclerc in P8 and Lewis Hamilton in P10.

Was Melbourne just a fluke? Or did Ferrari miss the mark in winter development? We’ll get some key answers this weekend in Shanghai, as F1 returns to the sprint format.

Vasseur Determined to Bounce Back

Fred Vasseur heads to China with a mix of concern and urgency.

“It’s a good thing to be back on track just a few days after Australia. Shanghai gives us the chance to move on and focus forward immediately,” he stated.

“The Chinese circuit is vastly different from Albert Park, and with this being the first sprint weekend of the season, there are even more points at stake.”

The sprint format could prove challenging for Ferrari, given its struggles to dial in the SF-25’s setup in Melbourne. Vasseur acknowledges the challenge:

“From a technical standpoint, our work in the Maranello simulator becomes even more critical since we’ll only have one free practice session. One key goal will be understanding the track’s condition, especially since it has been completely resurfaced this year.”

“Both Charles and Lewis enjoy racing in Shanghai, and we need to do everything possible to help them maximize the SF-25’s potential.”

Guanyu Zhou in the Spotlight, But Not on Track

A third Ferrari driver will also be drawing attention in Shanghai: Guanyu Zhou.

The former Sauber driver, now Ferrari’s reserve, will be present at his home Grand Prix, though he won’t get track time in FP1 due to the sprint format.

Still, Zhou knows the Shanghai circuit well and has already provided insights to the team:

“One interesting fact about the Shanghai International Circuit is that its layout is inspired by the Chinese character ‘shang,’ meaning ‘above’ or ‘rise.’ It’s a unique track that blends S-shaped turns with a mix of medium and high-speed corners. The result is a circuit that demands both high-speed racing and technical precision. It’s a true test of skill and strategy, making it an exciting venue for racing.”

The Ferrari-Zhou Connection: A Growing Chinese Fanbase

Ferrari’s global fanbase is massive, and China is no exception. Could Zhou be playing a role in that rise?

“The passion for Formula 1 and Ferrari keeps growing, and it’s amazing to see so many new fans joining. Ferrari has always had a special place in motorsport history, and now, with F1’s increasing popularity worldwide, more people are naturally drawn to the Scuderia. There’s an energy, a history, and a passion that make supporting Ferrari feel almost instinctive.”

Beyond the marketing impact, Zhou’s role behind the scenes is crucial. Alongside Antonio Giovinazzi, he plays a key part in simulator development, helping Ferrari refine its setup.

How does Zhou feel about his return to Maranello, where he was once a Ferrari Academy junior?

“Coming back to Maranello is an incredible feeling. I couldn’t be happier. I was part of the Academy as a junior, and now, returning as a reserve driver is truly special. Ferrari has always felt like home to me, and this role allows me to contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow as a driver. It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m grateful for it.”

Shanghai will be a pivotal weekend for Ferrari. Can the team put Melbourne behind them and find their way back to the front? The pressure is on.

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Shanghai : Ferrari’s Moment of Truth After Melbourne Shock Shanghai : Ferrari’s Moment of Truth After Melbourne Shock