Ferrari reveal radical F1 changes for first Hamilton car

The first images of the SF-25 were released immediately after the successful F1 75 Live event in London, and in no uncertain terms, it is the machine Ferrari is for two world championship titles in the hands of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamiilton.

Last December boss Fred Vasseur made it perfectly clear that the SF-25 would be a 99% different car from the 2024 one, following a completely new concept. 

On first glance, from a visual level, the depth of the changes made is not immediately visible, but a simple focus on the front-end highlights a revolution Ferrari has made, in this, the final year of these technical regulations. 

Every previous ground effect Ferrari has used push-rod front-suspension, but the SF-25 is to use pull-rod, it is a radical change.

Under the leadership of new Mercedes signing Loic Serra, there were no doubts about the huge change, which affects the vehicle dynamics but most importantly, the air-flow towards the sidepods. 

But it was a change that had been in the works since the beginning of last season, where the inherent, chronic understeer of this generation of cars was fully understood, along with the porpoising at low ride heights.

Ferrari goes radical with SF-25

The central section of the SF-25 appears different from the old design, in terms of the shape of the sidepods, but it is in precisely this area that further revolutions have been hidden in the packaging. 

Elsewhere, reflecting word on the street before the launch, the front axle has been moved forward, thus moving the cooling air intakes away from the turbulence generated by the front-wheels, whilst, at the same time, the rear-axle appears more compact, both thanks to a shortening of the gearbox to keep the wheelbase within the maximum regulatory limits.

The back of the car is where the biggest impact of that change to front pull-rod suspension will happen.

The volumes of the Venturi channels have been profoundly modified, with two key objectives in mind: distribute the downforce generated to create the best aerodynamic balance but also the management of air pressure under the car, to reduce the induction of porpoising at the lower ride heights.

Overall, every crucial area of the SF-25 has been carefully evaluated and redefined, but without compromising the peculiar qualities of the 2024 car.

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