Ferrari Faces Challenges in Unlocking Performance from Bold Su…..read more
Ferrari is still in the process of refining its radical front suspension redesign after facing difficulties in extracting the full potential of its 2025 Formula 1 challenger, the SF-25, during pre-season testing in Bahrain. The team has made a bold move by switching to a front pull-rod suspension, a configuration also used by Red Bull and McLaren, abandoning the push-rod system it had relied on for several years.
The change is aimed at enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and unlocking further development potential, but early testing data suggests that Ferrari is still working on optimizing its new setup. Despite the expected long-term advantages, the team has encountered mechanical challenges that need to be fine-tuned before the car can fully deliver on its promise.
Ferrari’s Major Suspension Gamble
One of the most significant changes Ferrari introduced in its SF-25 design is the adoption of a front pull-rod suspension system. Traditionally, Ferrari had used a push-rod configuration, which was the preferred choice for many teams due to its ease of setup and reliability. However, in recent years, pull-rod suspension has gained traction among leading teams like Red Bull and McLaren due to its aerodynamic benefits.
The mastermind behind this change is Loic Serra, an expert in suspension design who Ferrari recently recruited from Mercedes. Serra is believed to have played a key role in Ferrari’s decision to make this transition, recognizing that the pull-rod system offers better airflow management around the front of the car, which can provide a crucial edge in aerodynamic development.
During Ferrari’s official car launch, the team explained its reasoning behind this major shift:
“The thinking behind this change in architecture was to clean up the airflow around the car, while also giving greater scope for further aero development, which had pretty much been exhausted with the previous iteration.”
This highlights Ferrari’s intent to future-proof its aerodynamic concept and ensure continued development potential throughout the 2025 season and beyond.
Early Struggles in Bahrain Testing
Despite the theoretical advantages of the new suspension, Ferrari has faced some early teething problems in pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The team has yet to fully exploit the benefits of its front pull-rod setup, as it appears to be struggling with the car’s mechanical behavior on track.
According to Motorsport.It, while there are clear advantages to the new suspension, Ferrari engineers are still working to fine-tune the system at a mechanical level. The car’s performance in long-run simulations has raised some concerns, with indications that Ferrari’s race pace is not yet on par with its rivals.
The SF-25 showed promising speed in short stints, but over longer runs, tyre degradation and consistency issues became evident. This suggests that Ferrari’s new suspension setup may still require adjustments to improve mechanical grip and balance.
Is Ferrari’s Bet on Pull-Rod Suspension Worth It?
Ferrari’s shift to a pull-rod front suspension is seen as a long-term investment rather than an immediate game-changer. The system is known for its lower center of gravity and aerodynamic advantages, but it also requires precise setup and calibration to maximize its effectiveness.
Red Bull, which has been dominant in recent years, has successfully optimized this suspension concept, demonstrating that when properly executed, it can provide a significant performance boost. However, Ferrari’s engineers must now accelerate their learning curve to ensure they can unlock the full potential of the SF-25 before the season opener in Bahrain.
The presence of Loic Serra in Ferrari’s technical team could prove crucial in this regard. Given his expertise in suspension systems, he will play a key role in refining Ferrari’s setup and extracting maximum performance from the new design.
What’s Next for Ferrari?
With pre-season testing now complete, Ferrari will be analyzing massive amounts of data to address its race pace struggles. The team will likely introduce setup refinements and possibly new mechanical components to enhance the stability and responsiveness of the SF-25 before the first Grand Prix of the season.
Ferrari’s decision to go with a radical suspension overhaul signals a bold approach in its quest to close the gap to Red Bull and fight for the 2025 championship. However, whether this gamble will pay off immediately or require several races of fine-tuning remains to be seen.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching Ferrari’s performance in the opening races to determine whether their bold suspension shift was a brilliant innovation or a risky misstep in their pursuit of F1 glory.
