Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been instructed by the team to “lift and coast” in recent races to manage issues with their car’s performance. Despite a strong finish to the 2024 season, Ferrari has struggled to meet expectations in the 2025 season, only securing four podium finishes in 11 races.
The team faced setbacks in China, with both Hamilton and Leclerc being disqualified due to technical infractions. To address the issues plaguing their car, Ferrari has implemented the “lift and coast” technique, where drivers lift off the accelerator early and coast before braking into corners. This technique helps manage fuel consumption and reduce wear on the car’s components.
During the Austrian Grand Prix, Leclerc expressed frustration with the team’s instructions to lift and coast, citing it as a hindrance to performance. However, he acknowledged the necessity of managing the car’s issues during the race. Ferrari introduced a new floor for the race weekend in Austria to address the problems but continued to advise their drivers to employ the lift and coast strategy.
While the technique has helped Ferrari control plank wear and other issues, it has come at the expense of overall performance compared to their rivals. Leclerc hopes that the new floor will yield positive results at the upcoming British Grand Prix, allowing the team to avoid using lift and coast during the race.
Devang, a Formula 1 and NASCAR journalist at Sportskeeda, provides insights into the team’s strategy and the drivers’ perspectives on the lift and coast instructions. With a wealth of experience in motorsport journalism, Devang brings a unique angle to the coverage, focusing on the challenges faced by Ferrari and their efforts to improve performance.
In conclusion, Ferrari’s use of the lift and coast technique highlights the team’s commitment to addressing technical issues and maximizing their car’s performance. As they continue to fine-tune their strategy and equipment, fans can expect to see improvements in their race results and competitiveness on the track.
