The Ferrari SF-25 is approaching its season debut with a technical topic still open: the management of the front suspension. The Scuderia has decided to adopt a pull-rod suspension system, a choice that provides aerodynamic advantages but also introduces new challenges in setup and maintenance.
After ten years, Ferrari has reversed the front suspension layout, switching from the push-rod solution (used by Mercedes) to the pull-rod system, similar to Red Bull and McLaren.
The pull-rod gamble: advantages and complications
This choice was made to optimize aerodynamic flows at the front of the car, but it comes with difficulties:
– Greater complexity in setup, requiring more detailed work from engineers to find the perfect balance.
– More labor-intensive mechanical interventions, making assembly and disassembly operations more complicated during race weekends. In this regard, according to information from F1ingenerale in Bahrain, it appears that Ferrari mechanics had to undergo training to speed up these procedures as much as possible.
Charles Leclerc cautious, Lewis Hamilton euphoric
The impressions of the two drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, regarding the SF-25 are not exactly aligned. While the Monegasque maintains a cautious approach, the seven-time world champion seems enthusiastic about the car’s potential.
Analyzing the tests, Lewis Hamilton stated: “The car performed very well on track. I feel it responds well to my inputs. We have made progress in terms of setup.” He added: “It’s the best car I’ve driven in recent years. We are building a connection.”
The key phrase, “we are building a connection,” highlights how the British driver is still in the adaptation phase with his new car. Despite his experience and success, the Briton is making his debut with Ferrari and is still working to find full harmony with the SF-25.
Despite Hamilton’s good sensations, a hydraulic issue with the gearbox occurred during testing, cutting his program short by forty minutes. This did not dampen his enthusiasm, but it underscores that there is still work to be done to make the car perfect for the first race. Both drivers have worked in the simulator until the last moment, providing data to engineers to refine the car ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Final commitments before Melbourne for the Ferrari SF-25
Today, Hamilton and Leclerc will be in Milan for a public event before departing for Melbourne, where the 2025 Formula 1 season will officially begin. The SF-25’s first laps during the race weekend will provide definitive answers on the car’s true competitiveness and the effectiveness of the new front suspension choice.
Source: f1ingenerale
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