The newly developed rear suspension tested by Scuderia Ferrari promises to deliver increased aerodynamic load on the SF-25 Formula 1 car—but it also carries potential risks for drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Ahead of the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the Maranello-based team has introduced and trialed a crucial and much-anticipated update aimed at improving the overall performance of its 2025 contender. The main objective of this innovation is to boost aerodynamic stability and allow for a more aggressive setup, although it comes with a set of challenges that cannot be ignored.
Rear Suspension Upgrade: The Advantages
The new suspension system was tested during a recent filming day session at the Mugello Circuit, providing the Scuderia with an opportunity to gather preliminary feedback. The only visually apparent modification involves the front leg of the upper suspension arm, which has been repositioned lower compared to its previous configuration.
According to reports published by F1.com, this technical adjustment should increase the car’s resistance to variations in wheelbase during braking and acceleration phases. The result would be a more stable aerodynamic platform, which in theory could enable the team to run the SF-25 with a lower ride height. This would not only increase the aerodynamic downforce but also open up a wider setup window—giving the engineers and drivers more flexibility when tuning the car for specific circuits and conditions.
Rear Suspension Upgrade: The Potential Drawbacks
However, this design also introduces a set of possible side effects. A more stable aerodynamic platform can sometimes make the car feel “flatter” and less responsive to the driver’s input, reducing the sensation of liveliness and compromising feedback from the steering and chassis. In addition, excessively lowering the car could risk breaching technical regulations. A notable example occurred earlier this season at the Chinese Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton was disqualified for excessive plank wear—a consequence of the car being run too low to the ground.
To prevent a repeat of such incidents, Ferrari is believed to have integrated a hidden damper system into the rear suspension. This component would allow for better control of ride height variations under aerodynamic load, particularly during high-speed sections and heavy braking zones. Despite promising feedback from wind tunnel simulations, Charles Leclerc reportedly said he did not notice major differences in car behaviour during a 19-lap long run with the new rear suspension installed.
Ferrari has yet to achieve a race victory in the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team’s best result so far remains Charles Leclerc’s second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton has only shown flashes of competitiveness, notably during the Sprint Race in Shanghai. With the Belgian Grand Prix featuring a Sprint format and rain forecasted over the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, this latest suspension upgrade could represent Ferrari’s best opportunity yet to turn the tide of a challenging season—or it may simply reveal itself as a double-edged sword.
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