The summer break is winding down as F1 is on course to return at the Zandvoort circuit for the Dutch Grand Prix next weekend.
Due to the mandatory closure of the factories, major updates are unlikely to be introduced across the grid.
The characteristics of the narrow and twisting Zandvoort circuit also play a role in this, as there is a good chance that the setups from the two previous races in Austria and Hungary will be deployed again.
The Red Bull Ring in Austria is characterised by a medium to high level of downforce, while the Hungaroring has a high level of downforce. The set-up for Zandvoort will be something of a mix between the two.
Ferrari will reportedly use a specific combination of these two configurations.
By doing so, the team is not only trying to generate downforce through the wings, but more importantly, to achieve a precise dynamic balance, with specific attention to certain parts of the Dutch track that are considered key points to unlock the performance of the SF-25.
It could be concluded that the emphasis on vehicle dynamics is the logical consequence of what we saw during the race in Hungary.
By this, we mean the adoption of higher tyre pressures in the last stint of the race in Budapest actually highlighted how, despite the introduction of the new rear suspension at the Belgian Grand Prix, a setup that was valid for the entire duration of the race in containing the risks of excessive plank wear had not been well thought out.
A thorough analysis of what happened that weekend seems to have been carried out and the resulting countermeasures are set to be deployed at Zandvoort to avoid negating the effectiveness of the new suspension on a dynamic level.
Another team that underperformed in Hungary was Red Bull.
The causes were different from those of Ferrari, but they bore some resemblance, as they were related to the balance of the RB21.
In the Netherlands, the Milton Keynes-based team will introduce small elements related to the distribution of the aerodynamic load.
The aim is to reduce the car's understeer compared to the previous races, and thus be more agile around the Zandvoort circuit at Max Verstappen's home race.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Sam Coop, Fergal Walsh and Nick Golding, as they look ahead to the final 10 rounds of the 2025 F1 season. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris' title fight is discussed, as is the dilemma which surrounds Red Bull's second seat.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!