Ferrari SF-25 and SF-24 compared: all the innovations and distinctive details
Yesterday at 04:08 AM
Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari has finally come to light, and with it, the anticipation grows to see it compete on track against Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes. The new Ferrari single-seater, developed under the close scrutiny of Technical Director Loic Serra, who joined mid-2024, and Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur, is ready to fight for both Formula 1 titles in the 2025 championship. With expectations rising and the drivers highly motivated, let's explore the innovations aboard the Ferrari SF-25 compared to last year’s SF-24, which came very close to winning the Constructors’ title.
The single-seater driven by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has undergone a radical transformation, particularly from a technical standpoint. Project 677, called upon to compete for the world championship, has chosen to revolutionize its front suspension concept by adopting the pull-rod system. The setup is now a double pull-rod, with the front featuring a carefully arranged arm configuration.
Detailed technical analysis of the Ferrari SF-25's innovations
The upper wishbone does not adopt an extreme anti-dive setup like McLaren and Red Bull but takes a slightly more conservative approach. The reasons behind this technical choice could vary and be linked to both aerodynamics and mechanics. The new configuration and positioning of the various arms allow for an airflow channel towards the undercut and the new radiator inlets. Additionally, the new pull suspension rod, besides being thinner, directs the airflow in the central area of the car.
The central section of the single-seater has been significantly refined, appearing more tapered and sinuous compared to the SF-24. Starting from the inlet, the SF-25 car now has a more pronounced upper lip to better separate the airflow directed towards the undercut from that flowing above the sidepods. The upper lip is now highly refined, featuring a mirror housing with a double shell for micro-aerodynamic purposes. In this area, the Ferrari technicians and engineers have also added a micro-aero detail that generates a vortex to protect the airflow passing over the sidepod ramp.
Evolved and shorter rear end for more space on the floor
The rear section of the SF-25 has undergone numerous modifications, with extensive optimization and refinement of the mechanics. The rear suspension, revolutionized in the 2024 Formula 1 season, now has an even more compact housing and a revised positioning of the arms. The reaction strut, typical of the pull-rod system, has now been moved a few millimeters toward the rear. This has allowed the SF-25 to gain efficiency and improve airflow cleanliness in that area.
A less visible but still significant innovation on the SF-25 is the new arrangement of the sidepods in relation to the car’s floor. The floor has been extended by a few millimeters along with the wheelbase, confirming the information which has recently been reported by F1inGenerale in one of their exclusive coverage a few weeks ago. With more maneuvering space, the Maranello team has been able to refine the 3D geometry of the floor and its ability to generate downforce at both low and high speeds. Additionally, a longer wheelbase provides greater stability in medium to high-speed long-radius corners.
The sidepods are now shorter and more compact to create more space for the power unit's radiators and all auxiliary systems, such as hydraulics. To maintain efficiency and, most importantly, reliability, Enrico Gualtieri's power unit department has relocated some cooling elements to the engine cover. This change is visible through the new shape of the cover, which is now more extended and features a smaller fin compared to the SF-24. The relocation of components is also justified by the presence of some vents at the rear of the engine cover and near the driver’s race number.
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