Ferrari address Charles Leclerc's car stoppage during SF-25 launch before Lewis Hamilton's run
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Ferrari is hosting an exclusive event for the launch of their 2025 Formula 1 car on Wednesday, following their brief stop in London. After the F1 75 event, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc headed straight back to Italy for the independent launch.
Lewis Hamilton, who drew perhaps the loudest cheers of the evening, made a grand entrance at the O2 Arena. His presence at the event was arguably the main draw, although Leclerc also received a warm reception. Ferrari unveiled their 2025 livery for the first time, which is notably darker than last year's design. A new white strip that was absent from the SF-24 was also introduced, adding a fresh look to the car.
While car launches traditionally focus on design, Ferrari understands that there is more to the spectacle. Even as McLaren and Williams held their own launch events with special color schemes, Ferrari knew that the blockbuster signing of Hamilton would guarantee the car's fair share of attention.
Leclerc was the first to drive the new car during the morning shakedown session at Fiorano, followed by Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon. Teams are allowed a maximum of 200 km during filming days, which is shared between the drivers.
Technical Issue During Shakedown: What Happened with Leclerc's Car?
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Charles Leclerc’s car faced a technical issue during the morning session, forcing him to stop on track. While the purpose of the shakedown is to uncover any potential problems, there is no indication that McLaren encountered similar issues during their session.
Some reports suggest Ferrari was able to address the problem after a pit stop, though conflicting information has emerged. Italian journalist Giuliano Duchessa has reportedly been told by Ferrari that no significant issue occurred by the end of the session.
In the 2024 season, Ferrari faced only four retirements, with three due to accidents and one engine failure in Canada. As the 2025 season approaches, F1 teams are expecting more reliable cars, as it marks the final year of the current engine regulations. Next year will bring significant changes, including the removal of the MGU-H, a shift towards sustainable fuel, and increased battery output.
The reliability of Ferrari’s new car will be critical, especially in what is expected to be a closely contested title battle. A single mechanical failure could prove pivotal, as Ferrari's Fred Vasseur noted that small mistakes, like a DNF, can cost valuable points, as seen in their 2024 battle with McLaren.
A New Look for Ferrari: The Major Changes in the SF-25
The Ferrari team principal has previously stated that the SF-25 would be 99% different from its predecessor, and the first photos have already confirmed one significant change. Ferrari has switched to a pull-rod front suspension, marking a departure from their previous setup. This change is expected to provide mechanical and aerodynamic advantages, making the SF-25 a more competitive contender in the 2025 season.
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