Ferrari’s Strategic Evolution for the 2025 Formula 1 Season

Ferrari is progressing with its strategic evolution for the 2025 Formula 1 season, highlighted by a significant test conducted on Thursday, the 17th, at the Mugello circuit. This testing session, which was limited to 200 kilometers, took place during an official filming day and featured both of the team’s primary drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Introduction of the New Rear Suspension

A key development during this testing session was the first on-track evaluation of the newly designed rear suspension specifically created for the current car. According to the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, this upgrade significantly alters the mounting point of the upper suspension arm, necessitating intricate structural modifications to the carbon fiber bodywork that encases the gearbox.

"This modification is definitely not a trivial task," noted journalist Paolo Filisetti. "It is crucial to ensure that the new mounting point can endure the forces generated, which involves implementing significant structural reinforcements at the rear of the car."

Ferrari anticipates that this suspension update will enhance the benefits already observed from the new floor introduced in the latter stages of the championship. Although the drivers’ and constructors’ titles are currently beyond reach, the Italian team aims to solidify its position as the primary competitor to McLaren on the grid, striving to stay ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull in the battle for the runners-up championship.

Continuous Improvement and Development

"We are making incremental improvements to the car," Leclerc stated. "We are not yet at a point where we can consider ourselves fully satisfied, but we are once again making progress in development. The new floor has represented a step forward, and the upcoming batch of updates, which includes this suspension, should bring us closer to McLaren. I don’t think we will completely catch up, but we can get close enough to apply some pressure."

As the testing session unfolded at Mugello, the dynamic between Hamilton and the Ferrari car was also evolving. The seven-time world champion conveyed that he is still in search of the ideal setup but confirmed that he has been aligning his preferences more closely with Leclerc’s over the past few Grand Prix events.

"Charles has found the best setup approach and knows how to maximize the car’s performance," Hamilton remarked. "I have experimented with various directions, but I haven’t pinpointed exactly what I’m looking for yet. I’m gradually getting used to this Ferrari, and the new developments give us hope that we will make further progress soon."

Adapting to Each Other’s Driving Styles

Jerome D’Ambrosio, the team’s deputy principal, commented on Hamilton’s gradual adaptation to Leclerc’s driving style, particularly concerning the car’s balance. "In the past few races, Lewis has been aligning more with Charles’ preferences, who has been using a setup that leans towards oversteer. This has worked well for him, and it’s now starting to work for Lewis as well," the executive highlighted.

Even though the Mugello test was conducted under the constraints of a filming day, the primary focus was on data collection and the drivers’ feedback regarding the new suspension, which may be integrated into the car for the upcoming races.

Laying the Groundwork for Future Success

More than merely seeking immediate results, the work at Mugello also represents a crucial part of building the car for 2026, which will undergo a complete redesign to comply with the new technical regulations of Formula 1.

"I want to ensure that I don’t go through this trial-and-error setup process again next year," Hamilton added. "I want to make sure that the 2026 car carries some of my DNA."

With the next race scheduled for the weekend of July 25 to 27 at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari remains focused on consolidating its advancements and maintaining a strong competitive stance in the constructors’ championship.

Conclusion

As Ferrari navigates through its testing and development phase, the team’s commitment to improvement and adaptation is evident. With both Leclerc and Hamilton working towards a common goal, the integration of new technologies and approaches signifies a promising trajectory for the Scuderia. The upcoming races will be pivotal in assessing the effectiveness of these developments and the team’s ability to compete at the highest level in Formula 1.