Ferrari appears to be among the most proactive teams in the Formula 1 paddock when it comes to development work on their 2025 challenger. While much of the field is already shifting focus toward the massive regulatory overhaul coming in 2026, Scuderia Ferrari continues to pour substantial effort into improving their current SF-25 car for the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been deeply involved in preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix, contributing valuable feedback and dedicating time to ensure the car is optimised for the critical second half of the championship. Although the drivers’ and constructors’ titles may be beyond their reach at this stage, Ferrari’s ambition remains firm: to secure second place in the standings and gain momentum heading into 2026.
While other teams such as Williams and Alpine have reportedly turned their full attention to the sweeping 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes, Ferrari is pushing forward with immediate technical upgrades. McLaren, also sitting in a strong position in the constructors’ championship, is expected to soon follow suit and pivot to their future concept. Ferrari, however, is continuing a dual focus: preparing for the long-term shift while addressing short-term weaknesses in the current car.
One of the most pressing issues being worked on is an upgrade to the SF-25’s power steering system. However, the most notable development revolves around a major revision of the rear suspension—an area seen as key to unlocking greater consistency and competitiveness from the current car. The performance of the new rear suspension could play a crucial role in determining how effectively Hamilton and Leclerc can challenge for podiums in the final rounds of the season.
In preparation for the Belgian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari conducted a private test session and filming day at Mugello. This event provided the team with an opportunity to collect data on the latest updates in a controlled environment. According to reports from Formula1.it, internal feedback following the test suggested a tone of measured optimism, with Ferrari sources indicating a growing sense of “cautious optimism” regarding the effectiveness of the revised rear suspension.
During the Mugello test, Ferrari had just 200km of permitted running to gather as much meaningful data as possible. Given these limitations, initial setup duties were assigned to reserve and development drivers Zhou Guanyu and Antonio Giovinazzi, allowing the team to streamline the session before Hamilton and Leclerc took over for the more refined evaluations.
While Lewis Hamilton is not usually keen on taking part in private test sessions, it was reportedly emphasized within the team that this particular test held significant importance for the development of the SF-25. Both Hamilton and Leclerc were required to contribute to the evaluation, underscoring the seriousness with which Ferrari is treating these upgrades.
According to insiders, the preliminary assessment of the rear suspension update was generally encouraging. The correlation between on-track data collected during the test and expectations from the simulator appeared to be close—a notable point considering that several teams have recently struggled with discrepancies between virtual and real-world performance data. For Ferrari, this level of alignment is a step in the right direction.
Nevertheless, early feedback from Charles Leclerc was said to be more reserved, with the Monegasque driver reportedly expressing uncertainty about the update’s immediate impact. On the other hand, if the changes prove more suited to Hamilton’s driving style, the seven-time world champion could gain a significant competitive edge over the coming race weekends.
To maximise the quality of the data collected, Ferrari reportedly made targeted modifications to the Mugello circuit during the private test. Mugello is a track that both Hamilton and Max Verstappen are known to admire. Hamilton, in particular, has fond memories of the venue, having dominated the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix held at the circuit by taking pole position, fastest lap, and the race victory during Ferrari’s historic 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix appearance.
During that event, however, Ferrari endured a more subdued result, with Charles Leclerc finishing eighth and Sebastian Vettel placing tenth. The team’s current use of the circuit as a testing ground is a further indication of their desire to extract every possible performance gain from the SF-25.
Details from the private test, as reported by Formula1.it, suggest that Ferrari altered parts of the track layout in order to evaluate specific elements of the car’s performance. Observers noted that Hamilton could be seen leaning over the pit wall, while accompanying audio and video clips hinted that certain corners did not align with Mugello’s usual configuration. In one case, Leclerc was seen braking and navigating a corner that doesn’t typically exist on the circuit, a move believed to be part of Ferrari’s attempt to better understand the rear suspension’s behaviour in slow-speed sections.
These small but deliberate changes to the test conditions indicate how thorough Ferrari is being in its approach. In a season where qualifying and race results are frequently decided by hundredths of a second, even minor improvements in handling and balance—especially under braking or in tight corners—could have a major impact.
As the second half of the 2025 Formula 1 season gets underway, Ferrari’s development strategy remains firmly in motion. The feedback from Mugello, though not yet conclusive, gives the team a clearer direction as it continues to evolve the SF-25 and refine its design philosophy ahead of the 2026 revolution. Whether this rear suspension update proves decisive remains to be seen, but the groundwork being laid behind closed doors could be crucial to how the rest of the campaign unfolds.
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