F1 teams are facing a tricky situation in 2025. It’s the last season before Formula 1’s big rule changes in 2026, meaning they all have to split the focus between staying competitive now and preparing for the future.

For Ferrari, it’s even tougher because of the way F1’s aerodynamic testing rules work as since the team finished second in the Constructors’ Championship last year, it has less wind tunnel and computer simulation time than most teams.

The rules are designed to help lower-ranked teams catch up, so Ferrari only gets 75% of the baseline testing time compared to a midfield team. That makes it harder to develop the 2025 car while also making sure the 2026 car gets the attention it needs.

To make things even more complicated, F1’s governing body, the FIA, has introduced stricter rules on flexible wings, which will come into force at the Spanish Grand Prix in May. That means teams, including Ferrari, will have to adjust their designs mid-season, adding another layer of work on top of everything else.

Despite all this, Ferrari’s new technical director, Loic Serra, has put a clear plan in place. According to Italian outlet AutoRacer, the team will focus on developing its 2025 car for at least the first four months of the year, covering the first five races. During this time, most of Ferrari’s available wind tunnel testing will be dedicated to fine-tuning the SF-25.

Right now, Ferrari has 900 wind tunnel hours to use in the first half of the season. That’s 60 more than McLaren, the reigning champions, but 60 fewer than Red Bull. However, the exact amount will change after the Canadian Grand Prix in June when F1 updates its testing limits based on the current standings.

At the same time, work on the 2026 car, known internally as Project 678, is already underway. Some engineers are fully focused on this project, ensuring Ferrari isn’t left behind when the new regulations kick in. While most of the early testing is being used for the SF-25, the balance will gradually shift towards the 2026 car later in the year.