Ferrari Introduces New Upgrades for Hamilton and Leclerc Ahead of Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Ferrari is set to implement a series of minor but strategic updates to the SF-25 for both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Italian outfit hopes these adjustments will yield better results than the initial upgrade package introduced earlier in the season.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Ferrari debuted a modified floor, which allowed Charles Leclerc and Hamilton to demonstrate promising race pace. The duo secured fourth and fifth places respectively, delivering what remains Ferrari’s most productive Sunday of the 2025 Formula 1 season to date.
The Monegasque went on to claim a podium in Saudi Arabia, but the team has since struggled to establish consistent momentum. In Miami, the Briton experienced his first Q2 elimination of the year, and during the race, Ferrari appeared to be under significant pressure from a surprisingly competitive Williams team.
Team principal Fred Vasseur is beginning to face scrutiny, particularly as 2025 was widely expected to be the season Ferrari would return to championship contention. The highly anticipated arrival of Hamilton was meant to signal a renewed title charge and an end to the team’s championship drought, which stretches back to the late 2000s.
However, recent underwhelming performances have led to growing calls for Ferrari to shift their focus toward the major regulation changes coming in 2026. Several rival teams, including Williams, have already decided to halt short-term development in favor of gaining an early edge for the next rules era.
Budget Limitations Could Define Ferrari’s 2025 Campaign
According to a report from Motorsport Italy, Ferrari plans to introduce a series of aerodynamic tweaks at Imola. While these adjustments are considered minor, they are part of a broader development pathway, with more substantial updates expected in the upcoming races.
Among the forthcoming changes is a newly designed front wing, scheduled to debut at the Spanish Grand Prix later this month. This component will meet the FIA’s latest static load test standards, part of a regulatory clampdown on overly flexible wing elements.
Arguably the most anticipated development is a revised rear suspension setup. This change would allow the team to lower the car’s ride height, with the potential to significantly increase downforce. Ferrari had previously been forced to raise their setup after Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification in China for excessive skid block wear.
Despite disappointing results from their current configuration, Ferrari reportedly has no plans to abandon their pull-rod suspension concept. The decision is driven primarily by financial constraints, as the team has imposed strict internal spending limits to stay within the cost cap.
Fred Vasseur has reportedly dedicated the majority of Ferrari’s development budget toward the 2026 regulations overhaul. As a result, available funds for refining the 2025 SF-25 are limited, casting doubt on the team’s ability to compete for race victories this year.
Rubens Barrichello Sympathizes with Hamilton Amid Ferrari Struggles
Former Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello has expressed sympathy for Lewis Hamilton, who continues to face mounting challenges in his debut season with the Scuderia. Although Lewis Hamilton shoulders some responsibility for recent results—especially when compared to Leclerc’s ability to extract more performance—there is a growing consensus that the car is the primary limiting factor.
Observers note that Lewis Hamilton has shown flashes of his renowned talent, particularly during the Sprint sessions in China and the middle stint in Bahrain. However, these moments have been rare, and he has largely been unable to transcend the shortcomings of the current package.
Rubens Barrichello, reflecting on his own experience alongside Michael Schumacher, remarked that external pressure at Ferrari can evolve into a form of collective support during successful periods. He implied that Hamilton is currently missing that sense of momentum and unity, which is vital for performance.
Despite appearing disheartened at times, the British driver reportedly displayed renewed energy and determination following the Miami Grand Prix. Sources within the team indicated that he was particularly outspoken in debriefs, offering critical feedback. It is believed that the Ferrari team boss may actually welcome this version of his former Mercedes colleague, even if it involves confronting some uncomfortable truths.
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