After three rounds that yielded few encouraging results—except for the Sprint in China—Ferrari wants to unlock the SF-25. The first update package makes its debut on the Sakhir track, a key venue for comparing data with the “embryonic” version of the 677. The floor, debuting in Bahrain, features interesting innovations and concepts borrowed from other cars, useful for better understanding the Ferrari SF-25.
This first update aerodynamic package represents a very important crossroads for the Maranello team. A first evolutionary step that has its origins in the latter part of 2024, when the team began planning the initial upgrades for the 677. In parallel with this initial development step, the team also plans to complete the full floor package.
This element will therefore be decisive for the approval of the second evolutionary step, which comes at a crucial moment in F1 history, straddling major regulatory changes.
Small details for a bigger goal
There are many visible updates on the new floor spec introduced by Ferrari, with targeted changes aimed at managing vortices differently. Several areas of the SF-25’s floor, both on the floor edge and underneath, have been addressed by Ferrari’s aerodynamicists.
The most significant change occurs at the level of the floor edge and the fences at the Venturi inlet. A series of micro-adjustments aim to energize the vortices that seal the floor from harmful infiltration. The outermost fence now features a broken, no longer linear profile, likely to alter vortex behavior along the floor’s edge. Another modification aimed at managing vortices is the extension of the innermost fence, now controlled through more precise vortex management.
In line with the modifications made to the floor fences, Diego Tondi’s aerodynamic team has worked finely on the floor edge—a highly sensitive and crucial area in this generation of cars, which base much of their performance on the floor edge wing.
As expected, the most visible change is in the wing area, where Ferrari has added a new vortex generator. Additionally, the structure has been redesigned to further energize the airflow sealing the floor. With this wider structure, the SF-25 appears capable of operating at higher ride heights than originally designed.
This aspect should provide significant help to the SF-25 in this early part of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as the car seems forced to run in “crossover mode.”
Crucial updates for the Ferrari SF-25 diffuser as seen in Bahrain
Following the changes to the floor edge wing, Ferrari’s aerodynamicists also made substantial revisions to the SF-25’s diffuser. The updates in this spec are numerous and appear directly inspired by the spec introduced at Monza on the SF-24.
The diffuser’s keel is now more tapered, and the side walls have been redesigned for better management of pressure recovery under the floor. A series of changes aimed at increasing the available volume for airflow.
This is particularly important to avoid disrupting the flow management as pressure needs to recover at the floor’s exit and meets the flow coming from the beam wing. External wing elements now benefit from reduced flexing. This allows Ferrari to achieve greater stability in the airflow exiting the floor, leading to a more stable and balanced aerodynamic load.
Ferrari’s hopes rest on this updated spec, but, as stated yesterday, a single floor will not be enough to solve the SF-25’s issues.
Source: f1ingenerale
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