Ferrari adopts key element for SF-25 from customer team Haas for the first time
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Ferrari is poised to make a strong bid for both Formula 1 championships in 2025, with an intense battle expected against McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes.
The addition of Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc is set to provide Ferrari with an unparalleled combination of experience and speed. After coming agonizingly close to ending a 16-year title drought last season, Ferrari’s prospects have been boosted by Hamilton's arrival. The team has already unveiled their new car at the Fiorano test track, with both drivers taking the SF25 for a spin ahead of the official pre-season testing in Bahrain.
If their off-season upgrades are on target, Ferrari could find themselves in a strong position to challenge for the win at the Australian Grand Prix in March – a race they won last season with Carlos Sainz. Ferrari’s bond with Hamilton has been off to a great start, especially after his meet-and-greet with the team left a positive impression.
The SF25 is generating considerable excitement, with Gary Anderson noting that Ferrari appears to be preparing for the challenges of race traffic by adjusting their cooling system. This is a marked shift from their previous car, and it's indicative of their ambitions for 2025.
As pre-season testing gets underway on February 26 at the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, the drivers will face cooler-than-usual conditions for the region, which could make their runs less representative of what's to come. Nonetheless, it will be a valuable opportunity for Ferrari to assess their car in conditions closer to those expected in Melbourne just two weeks later.
In addition to drawing inspiration from key Mercedes components in light of Hamilton's arrival, Ferrari has also taken a page out of Haas's book, adopting a design element from the customer team for the first time. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Ferrari has incorporated additional airbox slots into their 2025 car, allowing for better airflow and improved cooling. This change should help them perform better in hotter race conditions as the season progresses.
Lewis Hamilton, now just over a month into his tenure with Ferrari, has already made a significant impression. Having endured a couple of difficult years at Mercedes, he is eager to return to a car capable of competing for wins. Ferrari's Jean Alesi has spoken highly of Hamilton, revealing that his work ethic has impressed the team. Despite approaching 40, Hamilton's hunger for success remains undiminished, and he is expected to be a strong contender for the title over the next couple of seasons. With his contract set to last until the 2026 F1 regulations come into play, Hamilton will have the chance to compete with the next generation of F1 machinery in pursuit of an eighth Formula 1 world title.
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