Scuderia Ferrari’s driver Charles Leclerc, following a costly error during the qualifying session for the 2025 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, found himself demoted to sixth position on the starting grid. After the session, the Monegasque racing driver subtly suggested that an underlying technical issue within the Ferrari SF-25 single-seater had once again come to light. This problem, according to the 27-year-old driver, becomes particularly apparent in Q3—the third and final qualifying segment—when drivers push their machinery to the absolute limit. The issue, he hinted, is tied to the power steering system, and it compromises the car’s capability to maintain optimum speed and control through fast, sweeping corners.
The comments made by Charles Leclerc at the conclusion of Saturday’s qualifying session generated significant curiosity and speculation among observers, journalists, and Formula 1 fans alike. This situation is especially intriguing due to the fact that it was initially brought up by the driver himself, only to be almost immediately played down using one of the most frequently used phrases in the world of Formula 1: “I can’t go into details.”
During his post-qualifying analysis at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc explained a few key points regarding the handling and performance of the SF-25. He then made a cryptic reference to the presence of an unspecified anomaly, which, he revealed, had negatively affected the competitiveness of the car. The Ferrari man made it clear that the issue was not connected to the car’s overall balance or to the level of grip offered by the tyres. However, he refrained from elaborating further, describing the issue instead as something particularly unusual—an irregularity that seems to manifest primarily during high-speed sections of the circuit, thereby complicating the task of maintaining control and precision. He expressed hope that the team could find a resolution quickly.
The Ferrari driver made it a point to emphasize that the SF-25 exhibited a distinct technical flaw, a defect that undermines the pursuit of maximum performance precisely during the most critical phase of qualifying. This moment—Q3—is when the margins are thinnest, and every detail can make a difference in securing the top grid positions.
Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton has on previous occasions also acknowledged that certain irregularities occasionally arise during Q3 sessions. Although during the qualifying at Silverstone, the British driver made it clear that no such issue had occurred for him that day, his prior experiences lend credibility to Charles Leclerc’s concerns.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur, who has been managing the team since 2023, supported the remarks made by Charles Leclerc. With a smile, Frederic Vasseur stated that since Charles Leclerc had decided not to provide any specific details, he too would comply with the internal directive and would not elaborate further. Nevertheless, the French team boss did confirm that the Maranello-based squad was indeed grappling with a particular technical problem. He stressed, however, that it was a fixable issue and not something that would permanently compromise the performance of the SF-25 car.
This leads to the central question: what is the nature of this hidden issue affecting the Ferrari SF-25, and why does it only surface during Q3, when the drivers are pushing the car to its absolute mechanical and aerodynamic limits?
According to information gathered and reported by the Italian media, the root of the issue lies within the power steering system—more specifically, the hydro-assisted steering mechanism. This system is designed to significantly reduce the physical effort required by the driver to turn the steering wheel, especially during high-speed corners where lateral G-forces reach extreme values. However, the true effectiveness of the power steering is not measured solely by its mechanical function, but also by the sensations and feedback it provides to the driver through the steering column.
The introduction of power-assisted steering systems in Formula 1 dates back to the early 1990s. Since then, teams and manufacturers have continuously refined these systems, with the goal of achieving a natural and intuitive steering feel. For modern F1 drivers, the sensation provided by the steering system is crucial—it influences their ability to judge grip, positioning, and responsiveness. In the case of Scuderia Ferrari, this particular problem only becomes evident when the drivers are operating at the very limit of the car’s capabilities. The issue is especially prominent on fast corners, where lateral G-forces are high and the stress on both mechanical and hydraulic systems is at its peak.
In such conditions—where the drivers are extracting every last tenth of performance—having precise and confidence-inspiring steering feedback becomes a non-negotiable requirement. Even the smallest deviation or negative sensation can break a driver’s rhythm and ultimately cost precious lap time.
Charles Leclerc’s restrained but pointed remarks now appear in a clearer light. Though unwilling to disclose technical specifics, the Monegasque driver was able to clearly describe a flaw that hampers the car’s behavior exactly when he needs full confidence from the machine beneath him. This also helps explain why the issue tends to appear only on certain circuits—namely those with long, fast corners that heavily challenge both car and driver. Silverstone’s high-speed Maggots-Becketts-Chapel complex is a prime example, as is the Suzuka International Racing Course in Japan, another venue where high-speed cornering is essential.
Historically, the feedback provided by the steering system has been a thorny issue for several Formula 1 drivers. In the 2021 season, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel repeatedly complained about his lack of confidence behind the wheel of the Aston Martin AMR21, which he attributed to unsatisfactory sensations from the power steering system. Similarly, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has long emphasized the importance of steering feel and has often dedicated considerable time during pre-season testing and free practice sessions to fine-tuning the steering system to match his highly precise driving style.
Although Ferrari’s drivers and Frédéric Vasseur have chosen not to provide full technical disclosure about the anomaly affecting the SF-25, they have all indicated that the issue is indeed solvable. However, it appears that addressing the problem will require more than just a software update or minor aerodynamic tweak—it will likely demand a targeted intervention in the mechanical and hydraulic systems of the car, which could take time to implement and validate.
In the hyper-competitive world of Formula 1, where performance gains are measured in hundredths of a second, and where the difference between pole position and the third row can be minuscule, even a seemingly minor problem like inconsistent steering feedback can have serious implications. Ferrari’s challenge now will be to correct this weakness without compromising other aspects of the SF-25’s performance, especially as the championship battle remains as fierce as ever.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season continues, all eyes will be on Ferrari and Charles Leclerc, as well as his teammate Lewis Hamilton, to see whether the team can effectively resolve the power steering issue that currently limits the car’s full potential on high-speed circuits. In the races to come, particularly at tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, where high-speed cornering is a defining trait, the effectiveness of any solution Ferrari introduces could make a crucial difference in their fight against Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes.
Ultimately, this technical challenge is not just about fixing a mechanical problem—it is also about restoring full confidence to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, giving them the trust in their machinery they need to deliver peak performance when it matters most.
— see video above —
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