Ferrari experienced major difficulties during the rainy conditions at the 2025 Formula 1 British Grand Prix held at the Silverstone Circuit. The Maranello-based team’s SF-25 single-seater car proved to be extremely unstable and challenging to handle in wet conditions, significantly compromising the performances of both of its drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
In addition to struggling with tyre temperature management and executing suboptimal race strategies, the Italian team was ultimately left out of podium contention. The race weekend highlighted a number of persistent limitations in the SF-25’s behavior on a wet track. In the aftermath of the event, multiple technical analyses surfaced, indicating that the core of Ferrari’s performance issues could be related to the power steering system — specifically, the hydraulic-assisted steering mechanism, which relies on pressurized oil to support steering input and improve wheel rotation.
This hydraulic system is a crucial component of a modern Formula 1 car, particularly in fast corners where lateral forces are extremely high and the aerodynamic load is at its peak. Under such stress, both the driver and the power steering unit are pushed to their limits. The problem becomes especially evident on high-speed tracks such as Silverstone, and there is a possibility that it may recur at other similar circuits like Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Charles Leclerc expressed doubts regarding a quick resolution to the problem, signaling that a fix may not be achievable in the short term. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, on the other hand, sought to reassure fans and media by explaining that the issue is specific to the SF-25 chassis. According to Fred Vasseur, the problem is likely connected to the newly introduced pull-rod front suspension system that Ferrari implemented on the 2025 Formula 1 car.
This innovative suspension layout required a significant redesign of both the steering box and the hydraulic steering setup in order to make room in the lower section of the chassis. While the change was aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and lowering the center of gravity, it may have inadvertently introduced some “teething issues” — early-stage reliability or integration faults that have only now come to light under the extreme stress of a competitive race environment.
As Ferrari continues to fine-tune its SF-25 package, solving the hydraulic steering problem will be a key priority — particularly with several high-speed tracks still ahead on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar.
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