Serra's impact on SF-25 design could boost Ferrari's fortunes
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Ferrari's highly anticipated 2025 F1 contender – codenamed '677' – is expected to represent a major evolution for the Scuderia, with new Technical Director Chassis Loic Serra helping shape its mechanical design.
According to a report from Motorsport.com's Italian affiliate, since joining Ferrari from Mercedes in October, Serra has already made significant contributions to the 677 project, particularly focusing on the car's suspension and its interplay with Pirelli's tyres.
Coming off a promising 2024 season, where the SF-24 secured five wins and Ferrari narrowly missed the Constructors' Championship by just 14 points to McLaren, the Italian team has opted for an ambitious overhaul.
While the SF-24 excelled at tyre management in races, it struggled to generate the necessary heat in qualifying, often leaving Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz starting further down the grid.
Serra has zeroed in on this issue, working on specific elements of the car's suspension such as anti-roll bars, springs and dampers to improve tyre performance across all conditions.
The goal is to reduce overheating while also expanding the tyres' operating window, thus optimizing the balance between qualifying and race pace.
"The SF-25 will adopt the pull-rod suspension layout at the front," Motorsport.com reports, "a solution approved by Serra for its ability to lower the center of gravity and improve kinematics."
These changes could be a game-changer for Ferrari, especially in light of the fierce competition expected from McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes in 2025.
Serra's Vision for Ferrari's Revival
The Frenchman's expertise in vehicle dynamics has already brought a solid dose of optimism to Maranello. While Serra will focus more heavily on Ferrari's ambitious 2026 car, his influence on the SF-25 has allegedly been immediate and substantial.
"Loic Serra has transferred his experience to the red car, not just on kinematics but on suspension components aimed at maximizing the potential of Pirelli's new tyres," the report suggests.
Ferrari technical director chassi, Loic Serra.
With Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari this season, the car's enhanced qualifying performance could directly benefit the seven-time world champion.
The Briton, who underperformed significantly last season in qualifying relative to his Mercedes teammate George Russell, is expected by many to thrive with a car that prioritizes improved tyre warm-up and consistency over a lap.
A Car Built for Championship Aspirations
Further adjustments to the SF-25 include a shorter carbon gearbox that allows for better weight distribution, and a lengthened front body to optimize airflow around the sidepods.
These changes were overseen during the design process - and before Serra's arrival - by Ferrari's Diego Tondi (Aerodynamics), Fabio Montecchi (Chassis Project Engineering) and Marco Adurno (Vehicle Performance).
The car, which passed its crash test on its first attempt at the end of last month, is currently being assembled under the watchful eye of Diego Ioverno, and will be unveiled on February 19 at Fiorano.
Serra's guidance is expected to help Ferrari address its long-standing Achilles' heel in qualifying while retaining the race-day strengths that made the SF-24 competitive last year.
As the Scuderia looks to end its championship drought, Serra's influence could be the catalyst Ferrari needs to reclaim F1 glory.
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