Alexandre
Ferrari's 2025 season in Formula 1 didn't get off to the hoped-for start. After a disappointing performance at the first Australian Grand Prixand a double disqualification in Chinathe Scuderia finds itself in a particularly tense situation. The next challenge looms at Suzuka, a demanding circuit where Ferrari absolutely must turn things around. The engineers at Maranello are under more pressure than ever, and there are rumours that the team is working hard to bring in major changes for the Japanese Grand Prix.
The problem: managing the flat floor and rear suspensions
The main problem affecting the SF-25 now seems to have been identified. According to several sources, Ferrari is suffering from poor ride height management and rear suspension stiffness. These defects were highlighted at the last two Grands Prix. In China, Lewis Hamilton's SF-25 suffered from excessive bottom wear, leading to its disqualification. This flat-bottom control problem is linked to the rear of the car.
Ferrari has opted for a pull-rod suspension layout at the rear, a configuration it shares with Haas. However, the problem lies in the changes made this season, particularly in the configuration of the suspension arms. The compromise between aerodynamics and mechanics is a complex one. Maranello's engineers are working intensively on these aspects to try and solve the problem of bottom wear without compromising aerodynamic performance.
At Maranello, the technical department, led by Loïc Serra, took matters into their own hands. After seeing the extent of the problem, engineers decided to bring forward the installation of the new bottom, originally scheduled for the Bahrain Grand Prix. According to several inside sources, Ferrari is now planning to deploy it as early as the Japanese Grand Prix, in the hope of unlocking the SF-25's performance.
The challenge facing the Scuderia is considerable. Raising the height of the car's floor to avoid bottom wear could result in a loss of aerodynamic performance. Conversely, stiffening the suspension could affect the car's stability in slow corners. Ferrari therefore finds itself in a situation of compromise, where each decision will have repercussions on the car's overall performance.
Loïc Serra under pressure
The clock is ticking. As Ferrari's new Technical Director, Loïc Serra is under immense pressure to get the SF-25 back on track. The latest disqualifications have cast a shadow over the reliability of the project and, while rivals such as McLaren seem to be in fine form, the Scuderia cannot afford to lose any more ground. The Suzuka Grand Prix will be a real test for the urgent work carried out by the technical team. If the new developments enable Ferrari to regain its competitive edge, the Scuderia can look forward to the rest of the season with a little more optimism. Conversely, another failure in competition could force Ferrari to re-evaluate its project more drastically, redirecting its resources towards future models, notably the car of 2026.