Ferrari Announce Major SF-25 Upgrades Ahead of…read more
Ferrari is set to introduce a series of upgrades to their SF-25 car, starting with the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, according to team principal Fred Vasseur. The Italian outfit has generally made only minor, track-specific modifications to the SF-25 throughout the season, but that approach is now shifting as the team prepares to roll out more substantial updates over the next few race weekends.
Vasseur confirmed that while the upgrades may not result in a dramatic performance leap, they represent a more active phase in the car’s development. These enhancements are expected to begin at the Red Bull Ring and continue through the rounds that follow, including potentially another significant upgrade before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Although Vasseur tempered expectations by suggesting that the performance gain may not be revolutionary, the planned changes mark a notable step forward in Ferrari’s pursuit of consistency and competitiveness.
Much of the speculation surrounding these upgrades has focused on the car’s suspension system. Over the winter, Ferrari made the significant move from a pushrod to a pullrod rear suspension design. While this architectural shift has potential advantages, it also introduced challenges in terms of stability and ride height control. The new upgrades are believed to target improvements in this area, specifically revising the rear pullrod suspension to better handle the car’s dynamics and improve balance.
One key issue Ferrari has reportedly struggled with since making the suspension change is operating the SF-25 within its optimal ride height window. The team appears to have encountered difficulties in extracting peak aerodynamic performance without compromising the car’s legality or durability. This problem was notably exposed during the Chinese Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton was disqualified for excessive plank wear, a result of running his car too low to the ground. The disqualification underscored the challenges Ferrari and others face in fine-tuning the ride height without falling afoul of FIA regulations.
The purpose of the upcoming upgrades, therefore, is twofold: to stabilize the car at higher speeds and to allow the team to run the SF-25 at a lower, more aerodynamically favorable ride height without overstepping the limits. Achieving this balance could provide Ferrari with improved cornering and tire management, especially on circuits where aerodynamic efficiency is crucial.
Vasseur’s statement following the Canadian Grand Prix indicates Ferrari is committed to a structured and strategic upgrade path. While not promising instant transformation, the team hopes these incremental changes will yield noticeable gains in competitiveness—an encouraging sign for fans, including incoming driver Lewis Hamilton, who will be eager to see the SF-25 evolve into a more formidable challenger.
