Ferrari's SF-25: Masterpiece of engineering or risky gamble?
Ferrari’s new SF-25 Formula 1 car represents a bold evolution in the fourth and final year of the current ground-effect regulations.
Despite the constraints of a maturing rulebook, Ferrari has overhauled nearly every aspect of its 2024 successor, crafting a car - the 71st F1 machine in its history - that is "99 percent different" according to the team’s technical director, Loïc Serra.
After coming up short last season versus McLaren in its quest for the world Constructors’ title – by just 14 points – the Scuderia is pulling out all the stops to deliver a fiercely competitive package for 2025.
"We are building on the good genes of the predecessor," said Serra, quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "But we expect a close competition in which thousandths of a second can make the difference.
“You can only win that if you improve in every detail, even if the progress is only tiny."
This philosophy is evident throughout the car's design, with numerous innovative solutions aimed at maximizing performance in the final year of the current regulations.
Ferrari Goes Full Pullrod – Front and Rear
One of the standout features of the SF-25 is its innovative suspension setup. The car is the only one on the grid to feature pullrod systems on both the front and rear axles.
This change was driven by aerodynamic objectives, according to Serra.
"We reached a limit with our old concept. To give ourselves more development options, we had to switch to pullrods."
The pullrod front suspension enhances airflow over the car by creating additional aerodynamic space around the front axle, while the rear pullrod system allows for a more compact rear end that minimizes disruption to the beam wing’s airflow.
These changes required extensive modifications to the chassis geometry, particularly at the front, where the upper wishbone is now mounted at a 90-degree angle to the chassis.
Focus on Aerodynamics and Cooling
Aerodynamic refinement was a major focus for Ferrari. The SF-25 features overhauled sidepods, which now boast an even more pronounced "overbite" at the cooling inlet and a streamlined profile designed to enhance airflow to the floor.
Ferrari has also re-engineered the underbody with intricate baffles and waves that direct air with precision.
The cockpit area and halo received attention as well, with refinements aimed at minimizing turbulence and ensuring clean airflow to the rear.
A wavy fin on the halo and an updated mini-S-duct near the cockpit edge exemplify Ferrari’s attention to detail.
Cooling solutions also saw significant updates. Ferrari has adopted a flatter and wider engine cover, following the lead of teams like McLaren and Haas.
This design improves airflow to the rear wing and beam wing, with additional slots and gills for releasing hot air expected to appear during hotter races.
Rear Wing and Power Unit Enhancements
The SF-25’s rear wing has been reshaped to complement the changes to the engine cover and suspension.
The main blade now dips lower in the center, while the transition to the endplates sees the lower element narrowing and the flap widening, all working in harmony with the beam wing and widened upper wishbones.
Despite the engine development freeze in place since 2022, Ferrari’s power unit team, led by Enrico Gualtieri, focused on optimizing energy recovery and power deployment.
These adjustments aim to extract every fraction of performance possible under the current regulations.
Team Leadership and Season Ambitions
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur set the tone for the season with a clear objective: "The goal is the world championship title.
“It’s not about whether I’m confident or not. It’s about making sure that everyone in the team delivers their maximum performance.”
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While the SF-25 has already completed a functional shakedown at Fiorano, real testing will begin next week in Bahrain.
Early feedback from Charles Leclerc, who drove the car in cold conditions on Wednesday at Fiorano, indicated that further assessments will be necessary once optimal tyre temperatures can be achieved.
Striking a Balance Between Present and Future
Ferrari’s technical team faces a delicate balancing act in 2025, developing the SF-25 while preparing for the major regulation changes coming in 2026.
Vasseur acknowledged that this transition will depend on early-season results.
“We will only know after four or five races when the focus will be fully on 2026. There will also be a first upgrade during this period.
“After that, everything depends on the results. Anyone who is one second behind will certainly not continue working on the 2025 car."
As Ferrari begins its journey with the SF-25, the car’s innovative features and meticulous design adjustments reflect the team’s determination to return to championship-winning form.
With ambitious targets and an evolved machine, the Scuderia aims to make 2025 a season to remember.
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