Hamilton’s Ferrari Revival Gains Momentum with Key SF-25 Upgrade in Bahrain
Lewis Hamilton’s quest to rediscover top form with Ferrari has taken a promising turn as the team rolled out a major upgrade package for the Bahrain Grand Prix. After a challenging start to his journey with the Scuderia, the seven-time world champion finally has reason to feel optimistic. Despite an impressive Sprint win in Shanghai, Hamilton has struggled with a consistently unbalanced SF-25, undermining his performance and confidence.
His frustrations peaked after the Japanese Grand Prix, where he voiced concerns about the car’s rear-end instability and indicated that a specific component wasn’t delivering as intended. Ferrari has acted swiftly in response, delivering a suite of new aerodynamic parts tailored to tackle the issues he’s been facing.
For the Bahrain weekend, Ferrari has introduced five major upgrades focusing primarily on rear-end stability and aerodynamic efficiency — key areas affecting Hamilton’s comfort and pace. The update package includes redesigned elements such as new floor fences, an updated floor body, revised floor edges, a modified diffuser, and a subtle change to the rear wing.
The changes to the floor are particularly noteworthy. Ferrari’s revised floor design is aimed at improving how air travels beneath the car. In technical terms, they are trying to minimize downstream aerodynamic losses by optimizing the airflow that feeds the diffuser. The better the air flows under the car, the more rear downforce can be generated — a crucial factor in reducing the oversteer that Hamilton has been battling.
The diffuser has also received a significant redesign. This component is responsible for creating a suction effect under the rear of the car, which enhances grip and cornering stability — especially in fast corners. Improved suction helps “stick” the car to the track, something Hamilton has been craving as he’s struggled to push the car to its limits.
Additionally, a new pillar winglet has been added to the rear wing setup. Though small, this aerodynamic tweak is designed to enhance the car’s efficiency without increasing drag — allowing Hamilton to gain more performance without sacrificing straight-line speed.
Hamilton has expressed renewed hope that these upgrades will restore his connection with the SF-25. Throughout the early part of the season, he has highlighted that a lack of rear-end confidence has kept him from driving naturally, which is crucial for someone of his driving style. If these new parts do their job, Hamilton could finally begin to challenge the front-runners consistently and showcase his skill in the scarlet Ferrari.
Ferrari isn’t the only team bringing enhancements to Bahrain. McLaren has also introduced an update for its MCL39, with the focus shifted toward the front of the car. The new component — a front-wing brake duct winglet — is designed to refine airflow around the tires and chassis. This should boost aerodynamic balance while trimming drag during high-speed sections, giving McLaren a better overall package for the Bahrain circuit.
Red Bull Racing, Ferrari’s main rival for the title, has also brought upgrades to Sakhir. Both Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda are running new front wings with longer chord flaps. This redesign is engineered to increase front-end downforce, improving steering response and corner entry precision. These updates complement the various rear-wing setups Red Bull has prepared for the circuit’s unique demands.
Meanwhile, both Red Bull and Haas have taken steps to address Bahrain’s high temperatures by introducing track-specific cooling upgrades. They’ve added wider engine cover cooling louvres to help manage heat more effectively. With power unit reliability and temperature control being critical in such harsh conditions, these measures aim to prevent overheating and maintain consistent performance throughout the weekend.
As the season begins to intensify, teams are sharpening their tools for the long battle ahead. Ferrari’s aggressive development approach and swift response to Hamilton’s feedback could be a turning point in the Briton’s campaign. With the upgraded SF-25 now in his hands, Hamilton’s chances of climbing back to the top of the grid — and back into title contention — may finally be on the rise.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is shaping up to be a key moment in the early 2025 season, not just for Hamilton and Ferrari, but for every team pushing the limits of performance and innovation.
