Ferrari’s Bold Upgrade Plan for 2025: Can the Revised Rear Suspension Save the SF25?

Ferrari is gearing up for a major overhaul of their 2025 Formula 1 challenger, the SF25, with a significant upgrade package set to debut at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Belgium. With the 2025 season already looking like a challenging year, this upgrade is crucial for the Maranello-based team’s hopes of remaining competitive in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

A Closer Look at the Upgrade

The upgrade package being introduced at Spa is aimed at solving one of the biggest weaknesses of Ferrari’s 2025 car: the rear suspension. Ferrari’s technical team believes that this new solution, which involves revising the rear suspension system, will offer an additional 3/10ths of a second per lap. While this may sound like a modest gain, in Formula 1, such improvements can make a significant difference, particularly when you’re battling for podium positions in a competitive field.

What makes this upgrade even more intriguing is the fact that the team is addressing the underlying issues with the SF25’s suspension system, which have plagued its performance since the season opener in Australia. The changes will include a new rear damper, a crucial component that helps control the rear suspension’s behavior. This modification is expected to improve the car’s overall stability, particularly during braking and cornering. Given that Ferrari’s biggest issue has been aerodynamic instability, especially under braking, this revised setup could finally give the team the performance edge they’ve been craving.

Drivers’ Reactions: Hamilton vs. Leclerc

The reaction to these upgrades has been mixed among Ferrari’s two star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Hamilton, who has been with the team for a few seasons, has expressed a more optimistic view of the improvements. He recently tested the revised rear suspension during a private session at Mugello, where he reportedly felt more comfortable with the car’s behavior. Although he acknowledged that the car still has some understeer issues, particularly in low-speed corners, he believes the upgrade will bring the SF25 closer to its true potential.

Leclerc, on the other hand, has been more reserved in his assessment. The Monegasque driver remains unconvinced that the changes will drastically improve the car’s overall performance. He has frequently mentioned his frustrations with the SF25, particularly its inconsistent handling and difficulty in extracting the maximum from the car over race distances. Leclerc’s reservations come from a place of experience and understanding of the car’s limitations, and it’s clear that the SF25’s rear suspension has been a constant challenge for him.

The Bigger Picture: Ferrari’s Long-Term Vision

The situation at Ferrari in 2025 is becoming increasingly complex. There have been calls from some within the team to abandon the current season and focus all efforts on the 2026 season, when the sport will introduce new technical regulations. However, Ferrari’s team principal, Frédéric Vasseur, has adamantly rejected this idea, arguing that there is still performance to be extracted from the current car. The team’s commitment to improving the SF25, despite the ongoing struggles, is evident in the decision to push ahead with the upgrade package at Spa.

It’s also worth noting that Ferrari’s approach this season has been somewhat unconventional. In contrast to other teams, which have aggressively pursued upgrades throughout the season, Ferrari has taken a more methodical approach, focusing on understanding the car and making adjustments as needed. While this strategy has meant slower progress in terms of on-track performance, it has also allowed Ferrari to gain a deeper understanding of the SF25’s behavior.

Spa: A Crucial Test

The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will be a crucial test for Ferrari. As a track known for its mix of fast corners, elevation changes, and long straights, Spa will give the team the chance to see if the new rear suspension upgrade can provide the stability and performance they need. Ferrari’s hopes for a strong result at Spa are high, especially given the nature of the circuit, which should play to the strengths of the SF25’s updated suspension.

However, the Spa Grand Prix will also be a sprint weekend, meaning that drivers will have limited time to test the new upgrades before qualifying. With only one hour of track time available before competitive sessions, Ferrari will need to be quick in evaluating the changes and fine-tuning the car for optimal performance. For Hamilton, this could be his chance to finally turn the season around and prove that he and Ferrari still have a shot at a strong finish.

Is It Too Late for Ferrari?

Despite the promise of this new upgrade, there is still the looming question: Has Ferrari left it too late to make a serious challenge for the championship in 2025? The team has yet to secure a Grand Prix victory this season, with their best results coming from a sprint win in Shanghai, which was later overshadowed by both Hamilton and Leclerc’s disqualification due to ride height violations. The lack of consistent performance in races has left Ferrari playing catch-up, and while the upgrade could make a difference, there is a growing sense of urgency within the team to make up for lost time.

This challenge is further complicated by Ferrari’s competition, most notably McLaren, which has shown significant improvement throughout the season. McLaren’s progress has been rapid, and their pace in recent races has made them one of Ferrari’s biggest threats. If Ferrari wants to remain competitive in the second half of the season, they will need to make up ground quickly and consistently.

A Focus on 2026?

With the new technical regulations set to arrive in 2026, Ferrari’s long-term focus has inevitably shifted toward the next generation of cars. While the team has not officially conceded defeat in 2025, the reality is that their championship hopes are slim, and much of the attention has already turned to the future. For Hamilton, whose chances of securing a record-breaking eighth world title seem unlikely this season, the focus is increasingly on 2026.

Ferrari’s commitment to upgrading the SF25, however, indicates that they are not ready to completely abandon the current season. The upcoming upgrades, including further changes to the power steering, show that Ferrari is determined to extract every bit of performance from their current car. Whether these efforts will pay off remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that the team is doing everything it can to remain competitive in the present while preparing for the future.

Conclusion: Can Ferrari Turn the Tide?

The revised rear suspension at Spa is one of Ferrari’s most significant upgrades of the season, and it offers the team a chance to get back into the fight for podiums and possibly even victories. The development is a bold move to address one of the SF25’s biggest issues, and its success could provide a much-needed boost to Ferrari’s hopes for the rest of 2025.

However, it remains to be seen whether the upgrade will be enough to close the gap to McLaren, Red Bull, and other rivals. With Hamilton’s focus on 2026 and Leclerc’s ongoing frustrations, Ferrari’s immediate future is uncertain. But if the team can capitalize on the improvements and build momentum, they could still turn the second half of the season into a more competitive affair.

As for now, all eyes will be on Spa, where Ferrari’s upgraded SF25 will either shine or fall short of expectations. The 2025 season is far from over, but Ferrari’s next steps could be critical in determining their place in the future of Formula 1.

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