Ferrari SF-25 Evolution: A Closer Look at the Key Changes
London one night, Fiorano the next morning; Ferrari’s top brass wasted no time, jetting off from the F175 launch at the O2 Arena to unveil the SF-25 at their private test circuit. The transition was seamless, with a direct flight or a quick hop to Bologna – although the thought of Lewis Hamilton munching on snacks in a budget airline seat seems far-fetched.
The SF-25 emerged with a few surprises, notably a striking white stripe down the engine cover. Ferrari’s shift to pull-rod suspension this season marks a significant departure from their successful push-rod setup last year. This change required adjustments across the board, including a raised rear leg on the upper wishbone – a move contrary to McLaren’s approach.
The new front suspension design features a low wheel hub mounting and a unique layout with the lower wishbone stacked atop the steering arms. Ferrari’s rationale behind this shift was twofold: streamline airflow around the car and open up avenues for further aerodynamic enhancements, a necessity after exhausting the previous design’s potential.
The SF-25’s sidepods underwent visible alterations, particularly around the inlet. Ferrari’s adoption of the ‘overbite’ layout, introduced in 2024, remains intact but now sports a McLaren-inspired treatment. The addition of an ‘overwing’ to the inlet aims to energize airflow over the sidepods, with strategically placed vortex shedders enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
Mirrors on the SF-25 received new mountings to aid sidepod surface flow, complemented by an outer floor fence featuring exposed corners to optimize airflow. These modifications reflect a broader trend in Formula 1 toward refining sidepod structures for improved aerodynamic performance.
Retaining the ‘cobra’ wings alongside the cockpit, Ferrari leverages this space to manage airflow dynamics and curb drag. The rear-end design, featuring a heat-rejecting bodywork flare and a distinctive V-shaped trough in the rear wing, underscores Ferrari’s commitment to maximizing downforce and minimizing drag for optimal performance.
At the rear, Ferrari maintains a pull-rod suspension layout, prioritizing diffuser expansion and airflow efficiency. This decision, while conservative, aligns with Ferrari’s incremental evolution approach for the SF-25, building on last season’s progress to mount a sustained challenge in the constructors’ championship.
As Ferrari sets its sights on F1 glory, the SF-25 represents a culmination of iterative design refinements and strategic enhancements. Will this evolution propel Ferrari to its first championship title since 2008? The answer lies in the season ahead, where the Prancing Horse aims to maintain its competitive edge and avoid the pitfalls of mid-season development setbacks.
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