At the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a potential issue emerged within Scuderia Ferrari’s technical setup — specifically related to the power steering system of the SF-25 Formula 1 car. According to revelations by motorsport journalist Piergiuseppe Donadoni on the AutoRacer.it YouTube channel, the current configuration of the Ferrari’s hydraulic power steering system represents a compromise between the preferences of its two 2024 race drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. However, Piergiuseppe Donadoni suggests that the compromise may have leaned more towards accommodating the feedback of the Spanish driver, Carlos Sainz.
While this configuration is reportedly not fully appreciated by either driver, it is not believed to be a limiting factor in the overall performance of the SF-25. Ferrari remains deeply engaged in its pursuit to close the performance gap to McLaren. A significant step in that development path occurred during a filming day at Mugello, where the team reportedly validated a new rear suspension solution. This upgraded rear suspension system is expected to debut at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, with hopes of delivering an immediate and measurable improvement in car setup flexibility and mechanical grip.
However, concerns regarding the SF-25’s handling surfaced again during the last race weekend at Silverstone. Charles Leclerc alluded to unresolved difficulties with the power steering setup, implying that it may have contributed to his challenges during the event. In Formula 1, power steering is a critical element that influences driver confidence, especially when operating on the limit during qualifying sessions. A system that lacks precision or does not provide consistent feedback can make it significantly harder for drivers to extract peak performance.
Behind the scenes, it appears that changes made to the Ferrari’s steering system in 2024 were the result of balancing divergent preferences between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. With both drivers having distinct driving styles and steering feel requirements, the Maranello engineers reportedly settled on a middle ground that ended up favoring Carlos Sainz’s preferences slightly more. Notably, the same steering configuration has also failed to impress Lewis Hamilton, who has joined the Scuderia in 2025 and is known to share a more similar steering style and sensitivity to Charles Leclerc.
That said, the effects of this steering configuration are thought to be primarily confined to qualifying sessions rather than race pace. While both current Ferrari drivers might benefit from a revised system more closely tailored to their individual sensitivities, the existing setup is not considered a major obstacle to competitive performance. Nonetheless, with the level of competition intensifying at the front of the grid, even small factors like steering feedback can make a crucial difference in the pursuit of pole positions and podium finishes.
