As reported by Motorsport.com, Scuderia Ferrari is not backing down from the challenge of the Sprint weekend format at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps. The new rear suspension, which was recently tested during a private session at the Mugello circuit, will be fitted to both of the Scuderia’s Formula 1 cars—driven by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Monégasque driver Charles Leclerc.
Motorsport journalist Franco Nugnes has revealed that, according to internal feedback, “the drivers did not notice any major differences” compared to the previous suspension specification. That comment alone is far from encouraging—especially for what should be, or rather must be, a major technical update capable of transforming the performance of the SF-25 and rescuing Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign. And this update needs to work for more than just the short term.
Now or never—for 2025 and beyond
After months of bold winter statements and fearless declarations about Ferrari’s objective to fight for at least one Formula 1 world championship title, the 2025 season has—so far—been a bitter disappointment. The underperformance has not only been unexpected, but also increasingly difficult to justify given the Scuderia’s ambitions and resources.
The technical concept introduced this year represented a radical departure from the previous design. Among the key innovations was the adoption of a pull-rod suspension layout on the front of the car, similar to the configuration used successfully by Red Bull Racing. Ironically, however, it has not been the front but the rear suspension that has caused the most trouble for Ferrari during the first half of the season.
The limitations of the previous rear suspension significantly narrowed the usable setup window of the car, creating challenges with ride height and leading to excessive wear of the plank—ultimately compromising performance and consistency. For several months, Ferrari’s engineering department at Maranello has been working intensively to address these issues with a new solution.
Now, the moment of truth has arrived. The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will offer the first true test of whether this revised rear suspension design can deliver a genuine step forward in on-track performance. Ferrari hopes this update will finally unlock the potential of the SF-25 and allow both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to compete at the front.
However, it will not be easy to fine-tune the new suspension system under the constraints of a Sprint weekend. With only one hour of free practice before qualifying and the Sprint sessions, teams face a compressed schedule that limits testing opportunities. Nevertheless, at this point in the season, Ferrari can no longer afford excuses.
The Italian outfit urgently needs to demonstrate progress—not only to reassure its passionate fanbase but also to convince senior management at Ferrari that the team, under the leadership of Frédéric Vasseur, is on the right path. Internal confidence in the long-term project leading up to the major regulation changes of 2026 depends heavily on what Ferrari achieves in the second half of this season.
Looking toward Formula 1’s future
With the most significant regulatory overhaul in recent Formula 1 history approaching in 2026, Ferrari needs momentum. The team must show that it has learned from past errors, overcome early-season difficulties, and built a foundation capable of challenging for wins again.
And there is only one real way to inject that belief and confidence back into Maranello—by winning races in the second part of the 2025 season. Nothing else will suffice.
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