Huge Ferrari SF-25 gains discovered as secret simulator data emerges despite Hamilton’s…read more
Ferrari’s prospects for the 2025 Formula 1 season have been bolstered by reports suggesting their new SF-25 car has achieved a significant performance enhancement of approximately 0.4 seconds per lap, according to data from the team’s simulator. This development offers a promising outlook for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they aim to secure the championship title.
Following the unveiling of the SF-25 immediately after Formula 1’s season-launch event in London on Tuesday evening, Ferrari is poised to conduct a shakedown session at their Fiorano test track today (Wednesday). Leclerc is scheduled to take the wheel at around 09:30 local time, with Hamilton set to experience the new car during the afternoon session. Both drivers will be limited to a maximum of 100 kilometers of running at Fiorano before the sole pre-season test in Bahrain next week.
The 2025 season marks the final year under the current Formula 1 regulations, and Ferrari has introduced several innovative design elements in the SF-25, aiming to clinch their first World Championship since 2008. Team principal Fred Vasseur has described the SF-25 as a “completely new” vehicle compared to its predecessor, the SF-24, which narrowly missed the Constructors’ Championship in 2024 by 14 points to McLaren.
Italian publication Corriere della Sera has reported that Ferrari’s bold design approach has yielded a substantial performance gain of four-tenths of a second per lap, based on simulator data. To contextualize this improvement, at the final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, Carlos Sainz qualified third, trailing McLaren’s polesitter Lando Norris by 0.229 seconds. A four-tenths improvement would have positioned Sainz on pole by 0.171 seconds at Yas Marina.
However, respected Italian journalist Leo Turrini has urged caution regarding these simulator findings. He points out that such figures are “objectively meaningless” without comparative data from rival teams like Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull. Turrini emphasizes that while internal metrics may indicate progress, the true measure of performance will only be evident once all teams hit the track under comparable conditions.
McLaren, Ferrari’s primary competitor in 2024, is also believed to have made notable strides with their new MCL39 car. Chief executive Zak Brown has stated that the team has identified “further steps” in the development of their 2025 contender, suggesting a potentially fierce battle at the front of the grid.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Ferrari has been meticulously managing their resources. Technical director Loic Serra has devised a strategic plan that prioritizes the SF-25’s development for at least the first four months of 2025. Concurrently, a select group of engineers has commenced work on “Project 678,” Ferrari’s car for the 2026 season, which will introduce significant regulatory changes, including a shift to 50% electrification, fully sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics.
Lewis Hamilton’s integration into the Ferrari team has been a focal point during the off-season. The seven-time World Champion has engaged in extensive simulator sessions, driving the end-of-season specification of Ferrari’s 2024 car. This approach aims to erase any residual muscle memory from his tenure at Mercedes, facilitating a smoother transition to Ferrari’s machinery.
Hamilton has reportedly expressed positive feedback regarding his experience with Ferrari’s cars, even praising the behavior of the SF-23 during initial tests. Such sentiments suggest a growing confidence as he embarks on this new chapter with the Scuderia.
The SF-25 itself represents a significant departure from its predecessor, with Vasseur noting that only “one percent” of the SF-24’s components have been retained. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a pull-rod front suspension, a design choice aimed at enhancing the car’s handling and aerodynamic efficiency.
As the pre-season progresses, anticipation builds around how these developments will translate on track. The upcoming test sessions in Bahrain will provide a clearer picture of the competitive landscape, offering insights into whether Ferrari’s ambitious design and development strategies will yield the desired results in their quest to return to championship glory.
