Why Loic Serra has not travelled with Ferrari in Shanghai for F1 Chinese GP weekend. Loic Serra has returned to Maranello while the team headed to China.

Loic Serra has returned to Maranello while the team headed to China. Ferrari’s technical director is in the position of having to accelerate the development of the SF-25 single-seater in the hope of salvaging a 2025 Formula 1 championship that did not get off to the best start, despite the Maranello team’s own statements, which created more pressure than expected by claiming to be in contention for both world titles.

A single swallow does not make a summer, as the saying goes, and the disappointment of the Australian Grand Prix cannot lead to definitive judgments. It is very possible that Ferrari simply got its “homework” wrong in preparing for the trip to Albert Park, making the situation look worse than it actually is.

It is fair to wait for the results from China and even Japan before making any drastic changes, but it is clear to everyone that losing nearly seven-tenths in qualifying is not just a matter of an incorrect setup decision. Two or three tenths might be attributed to poor choices at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne last week, but the root causes of the remaining gap must be identified, while at the same time keeping in mind that McLaren, at least for now, appears out of reach. Regardless of the superiority of the team led by Andrea Stella, Ferrari’s true position among the top teams remains uncertain.

The Shanghai weekend will therefore be a crucial test to determine where the Italian side stands and to plan a recovery phase on a shorter timeline than would be expected under a normal development path for the SF-25 car. The Sprint weekend format does not particularly favor Ferrari, as there will be only one free practice session before heading straight into the Sprint Qualifying. However, getting back on track immediately after the setback in Melbourne could help the Maranello team respond quickly.

There will be no updates in China, as the SF-25 single-seater will have the same aerodynamic package as last weekend, but Ferrari technical director Loic Serra aims to react swiftly with a new aerodynamic package. This update was already planned but will be refined based on the findings from the first two races.