Maranello is bringing a significant revision to its SF-25 challenger this weekend at the F1 Belgian Grand Prix, debuting a new rear suspension upgrade as the Scuderia aims to turn around a disappointing start to the 2025 season. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc tested the updated package during a filming day at Mugello last week.
The most noticeable change is the forward leg of the upper wishbone, which is now positioned a few centimeters lower than what was used through Round 13 this season. This subtle modification is designed to increase the car’s resistance to pitch changes during braking and acceleration, making the aerodynamic platform more stable and consistent. The ultimate goal? To allow Ferrari to run at a lower ride height, boosting downforce and unlocking greater setup flexibility.
“One of the potential downsides is that the car can feel a little more ‘numb’ to the driver as the reduction in dive and pitch can lose them some of the vital cues they rely upon to understand what the car is doing in any given moment,” Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola, technical contributors to F1.com said of the modifications.
While initial wind tunnel feedback was positive, Leclerc reportedly found no difference after a 19-lap stint in the SF-25, according to reports. In addition to the driver losing feeling with the car, the risk of running so low that the underbody plank wears excessively is a problem that led to both Hamilton and Leclerc being disqualified from the F1 Chinese Grand Prix earlier this season. Ferrari hopes to mitigate this with a new damper to control ride height changes.
Related: Ferrari Unveils Upgrades in Austria: Crucial 2 Weeks Ahead
Lewis Hamilton Pushes Ferrari for More Changes
Beyond this specific upgrade, Lewis Hamilton is actively pushing for broader change within the team. Hamilton maximized the three-week break in racing to meet with all the possible decision makers in Maranello to perhaps put to bed the frustrations he’s felt since joining the Scuderia and the lackluster results thus far.
“I held a lot of meetings. I’ve called lots of meetings with the heads of the team, so I’ve sat with (chairman) John (Elkann), (chief executive) Benedetto (Vigna), (team principal) Fred (Vasseur),” Hamilton said.
He also had recent discussions with Loic Serra, who leads car development, and other department leaders to develop strategies for the upcoming season. The team examined their plans for the upcoming engine and suspension development while focusing on the driver’s current car performance issues and specific improvement targets.
Hamilton’s determination to succeed at Ferrari is palpable.
“If you look at the team over the last 20 years, they’ve had amazing drivers – you’ve had Kimi, you’ve had Fernando, you’ve had Sebastian – all world champions. However, they didn’t win a world championship,” he said. “For me, I refuse for that to be the case with me. So, I’m going the extra mile.”
Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed the upgrades, emphasizing the need to maximize its potential from the get-go given the Sprint event format at Spa this weekend. With McLaren also bringing upgrades to Spa, this weekend at Belgian Grand Prix could be pivotal for Ferrari’s championship aspirations.
Related: ‘Ferrari is 2025’s biggest disappointment,’ former F1 driver says
