Ferrari has been combating a persistent braking situation that forces the staff to rely closely on the so-called “LICO” approach throughout races. However how a lot lap time does this technique really price the Scuderia? Right here’s what latest knowledge reveals and the place the issue originates.
All through the 2025 Formulation 1 season, Ferrari engineers and drivers have typically referred to “LICO” — a time period that signifies coasting, the place the driving force lifts off the throttle earlier earlier than braking zones. This method helps decrease brake temperatures and reduces gas consumption. Nevertheless, it additionally ends in a big lack of efficiency. The SF-25 has been significantly affected by this limitation, and new data sheds mild on the size of the difficulty and its causes.
The races in Austin and Mexico proved to be optimistic weekends for the Maranello staff. As beforehand reported, Charles Leclerc’s work in the course of the American Dash race allowed Ferrari to check numerous configurations for the differential and the brake-by-wire system. The braking stability was then shifted barely towards the rear axle, resulting in a extra secure setup and higher administration of entrance brake temperatures. In Mexico, the sleek asphalt floor allowed Ferrari to decrease the automobile’s experience top with out damaging the ground, with particular options applied to fight warmth buildup.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit sits over 2,000 meters above sea stage, and the skinny air at that altitude makes it troublesome for mechanical elements to chill successfully. Ferrari subsequently launched updates to the rear brake ducts of the SF-25 — a focused improve that exhibits how a lot effort the staff is investing on this space. Nonetheless, the issue can’t be absolutely solved, and the time losses stay important.
Ferrari loses between 12 and 15 seconds per race — no room for livid comebacks
Based on knowledge reported by AutoRacer.it, Ferrari loses between 12 and 15 seconds over the course of a race because of “LICO”. This determine was particularly noticed in Mexico. The Scuderia’s present technical configuration prevents the drivers from pushing the automobile to its full potential, even when working in clear air. A comeback drive just like the one Max Verstappen pulled off in opposition to Charles Leclerc within the closing laps could be unattainable for both Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton underneath these circumstances.
The brake situation first appeared again in 2024, however with the SF-25 it has grow to be much more important, particularly in sure monitor circumstances. Sadly, it’s not one thing that may be fully fastened throughout the present season.
The brand new brake ducts launched in Mexico are a part of a sequence of elements pre-planned to adapt to completely different circuit traits, somewhat than a everlasting answer to the core downside. As beforehand talked about, eliminating it totally is just not doable underneath the present design. Ferrari hopes that the 2026 automobile — developed underneath the brand new rules — shall be designed with technical selections that forestall this situation from returning. Each staff makes use of some stage of coasting throughout a race, however nobody applies “LICO” as a lot because the Scuderia Ferrari does proper now.
Nov 3, 2025
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