Gary Anderson analyzes key upgrades in Ferrari's 2025 F1 challenger
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Ferrari Gears Up for 2025 Season as Bahrain Test Approaches
The countdown to the 2025 Formula 1 season is well underway, with pre-season testing set to take place next week at the Bahrain International Circuit. For the first time this year, all 10 teams will hit the track, offering fans a glimpse of their latest challengers in action. While all 20 drivers will be present in the paddock, the nature of testing means only one driver per team can take to the circuit at any given time.
For Ferrari supporters, this means they'll have to wait and see whether Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton will be the first to push the SF-25 to its limits when the session begins on Wednesday morning. However, the Tifosi have already had an early look at Ferrari's latest machine, as the team conducted a filming day at their Fiorano circuit following the official car launch.
During that session, Leclerc briefly came to a stop on track, though reports suggest there was no underlying issue. Hamilton later had the chance to greet fans who had turned up to watch him drive a Ferrari for the first time. With the team coming agonizingly close to securing their first Constructors' Championship since 2008, they are counting on key technical improvements to finally put them over the top.
Ferrari's 2025 Car Features Key Cooling System Changes
Ahead of pre-season testing, Ferrari joins McLaren and Williams in unveiling their latest designs, each incorporating significant updates in pursuit of a competitive edge. While McLaren has opted for aggressive design choices and Williams is keeping one eye on the 2026 regulation changes, Ferrari has introduced a series of refinements aimed at optimizing their 2025 F1 package.
Former F1 designer and analyst Gary Anderson, speaking to The Race, has examined Ferrari's modifications and highlighted a notable change: an enlarged radiator inlet. He believes this suggests Ferrari is preparing for a more intense battle at the front, anticipating closer racing and a greater need for efficient cooling when running in traffic.
In addition to the larger inlet, the Northern Irish semi-retired racing car designer and motorsport pundit pointed out new small openings along the spine of the engine cover, likely necessary to accommodate the increased airflow. This design bears similarities to solutions used by other teams, including Alpine, indicating that Ferrari may have drawn inspiration from rival concepts before integrating them into the SF-25.
Ferrari Prioritizing Performance in Traffic for 2025
While Ferrari's aerodynamic refinements hint at a focus on managing airflow in close-quarters racing, neither Charles Leclerc nor Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to spend much time behind their rivals.
Leclerc's strength in qualifying has been a cornerstone of his racing style, and if the SF-25 delivers the one-lap pace Ferrari hopes for, he will be targeting front-row starts to stay ahead of the pack. Meanwhile, Hamilton—no stranger to the frustrations of turbulent airflow—understands the importance of a car that can perform in traffic.
Reflecting on his 2017 experience with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton once remarked on the challenge of being stuck behind slower cars, acknowledging the need for designs that allow for easier overtaking. Ferrari appears to have taken this lesson to heart, ensuring that if either of their drivers finds themselves needing to battle through the field, the SF-25 will be equipped to handle the challenge.
With Bahrain testing just around the corner, Ferrari will soon get the first true measure of whether their latest design refinements will translate into a championship-winning package.
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