Ferrari begins the Bahrain Grand Prix with the first major evolution of its SF-25, marking a clear attempt to revive its 2025 season after a lacklustre start to the championship. However, the declarations of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the two drivers of the Scuderiahave surprised their measured, even reserved tone, despite the introduction of a substantial technical package.
Leclerc and Hamilton lucid... even cautious
With Belgian journalist Gaëtan Vigneron, Charles Leclerc made no secret of his doubts:
"We've got some new parts on the car so I hope that will help us close the gap with the McLarens and Max. After that I'm not confident that it will bring us up to their level, but it will help us put a bit more pressure on them in the race. We're not satisfied with where we are yet. We're working hard to turn things around. I'm sure it will pay off very soon."
A more collaborative Charles Leclerc is talking about developments here...not enough to worry McLaren and Max yet, but it will pay off soon...#BahrainGP #F1 #rtbfsport pic.twitter.com/1ZL4OT6lWI
- VIGNERON GAETAN (@VIGNERONGAETAN) April 10, 2025
Same restraint from Lewis Hamiltonwho contented himself with a laconic reply:
"Don't expect anything at all, just watch and enjoy. We're working as hard as we can, that's what I can say."
Lewis not very talkative...what to say to the fans who expect something from Ferrari...nothing...#BahrainGP #F1 #rtbfsport pic.twitter.com/Q9Ydbw3wI1
- VIGNERON GAETAN (@VIGNERONGAETAN) April 10, 2025
This contrasts with the extent of the technical innovations deployed on the single-seater. A paradox that speaks volumes about the caution that reigns at Ferrari.
SF-25: the first major upgrade package
In Bahrain, Ferrari introduced its first major development package of the season. After a promising winter and an encouraging end to the 2024 season, expectations for the SF-25 were high. However, since the start of the 2025 championship, the red single-seater has struggled to keep pace with McLaren and Max Verstappen.
The new background, the centerpiece of this evolution, has been completely redesigned. Highlights include:
- A modification to the centerboard, which is now higher.
- A new side-floor design with three vortex generators instead of the previous two.
- A completely redesigned diffuser.
- The addition of a new aerodynamic appendage near the exhaust.
- A new rear brake cooling intake.
According to the engineers, these modifications will increase support and reduce the estimated deficit of 3-4 tenths per lap compared with McLaren. An important advance on paper, but one that needs to be validated on the track.
Data, patience and further development
Lewis Hamilton's SF-25 was fitted with the new underbody in Friday's free practice session, while Charles Leclerc's seat was given to Dino Beganovic for the first session, in a still-standard version of the car. The aim was to compare data, validate inputs and adjust the development plan.
The results from Bahrain will therefore be crucial for the future. Engineers Loïc Serra and Diego Tondi are already working on a second evolutionary package, which will only be confirmed once the data collected this weekend has been fully analyzed.
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