Ferrari F1: why the SF25 is a technical revolution that has yet to bear fruit?

The SF25, the single-seater of the Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season of Formula 1embodies Maranello's high expectations. Yet, despite its advanced design and radical upgrades, the single-seater struggles to deliver the expected performance on the track. A paradox which could well be the source of its first disappointments.

Far from being an evolutionary car, the SF25 represented a real turning point for Ferrari. Over 99 % of the 2024 car has been modifiedThe aim was to improve aerodynamic and mechanical performance. However, these changes revealed unexpected weaknesses at the last two Grand Prix. Among the most notable was a necessary compromise between flat-bottom management and rear suspensionBoth are crucial to the car's balance. McLaren took a similar route in 2024, but with more convincing results so far.

Ferrari engineers have made a large number of modifications to the suspension system. It's a compromise that seems quite complex to master on the SF25. The change in suspension (to a pull-rod layout) has certainly increased tuning flexibility, but it has created an imbalance in chassis management.

For Loïc Serra, Ferrari's Technical Director, the pressure is enormous. After an encouraging 2024 season and a disastrous start to 2025, the SF25 seems to have fallen victim to technical choices that are backfiring on Ferrari.

Some media, such as the AutoRacer.it website, are pointing the finger Ferrari's less daring approach to front suspension. The team opted for a front pull-rod suspension scheme like McLaren, but the latter pushed this choice with an even more extreme design. Ferrari reportedly studied this solution and judged that these choices were too risky, not allowing them to capitalize on aerodynamic gains while complying with FIA constraints. However, McLaren seems to be reaping the rewards of its bold choices, with a car capable of rivaling Red Bull.

In the face of competition and broken promises, Ferrari is forced to speed up the SF25 modification process. The problem of flat-bottom and rear suspension management is now well identified, but it remains to be seen whether the developments that could be deployed at Suzuka will be enough to restore the car's competitiveness. If the Scuderia wants to regain podium positions, it will have to quickly come to terms with McLaren's solution for the front suspension.