As the Bahrain Grand Prix looms, Ferrari is set to unveil a significant update to their SF-25 following a lackluster start to the 2025 F1 season. After the Suzuka Grand Prix, there’s chatter about Ferrari introducing a new floor design for their SF-25, engineered to address early-season woes and propel drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc forward in the standings.
Ferrari’s attempt to refine the SF-25 comes after a modest performance in the first few races of the season, marking the Bahrain Grand Prix as a pivotal moment for the team. Despite the optimism surrounding a potential boost for their drivers, apprehension lingers over the team’s recurring issue with downforce and ride height.
In recent races, Hamilton experienced a setback when he was disqualified from his P6 finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. The post-race inspections revealed excessive wear on the car’s underfloor, violating FIA regulations. Since then, discussions around improving the SF-25’s floor have been rife, with hopes pinned on optimizing stability and balance. Yet, this must be done without risking further disqualifications due to the ride height constraints dictated by Ferrari’s current setup.
The Italian motorsport community has closely watched Ferrari as they strive to address performance deficiencies, specifically targeting the car’s balance and rotation through corners. The SF-25 has been plagued by understeer, mainly at the season’s onset, indicating a need for a forward shift in the car’s center of pressure. The inherently tricky balance between acquiring efficient downforce and maintaining regulation-compliant ride heights remains a core challenge.
Lewis Hamilton, after achieving a P7 finish in Suzuka, hinted at underperformance issues in his SF-25. His candid remarks underscore a sense of urgency and determination within Ferrari’s camp. Hamilton expressed hope that upcoming changes will bring the team closer to the leading competitors, acknowledging the pressing need for the car to undergo substantial upgrades. His enthusiasm is tempered with caution, aware of the intense competition and the necessity to close the apparent gap between Ferrari and the frontrunners.
The upcoming Bahrain race presents an opportunity for Ferrari to prove the effectiveness of their upgrades. However, time will tell if this new modification can indeed catapult Hamilton and Leclerc to better finishes. The team currently occupies fourth in the Constructors’ standings, trailing behind the reigning champions McLaren by 76 points—a gap Ferrari is eager to close. With a strategic upgrade plan in place, the Bahrain Grand Prix will be a litmus test for Ferrari’s competitive standing this season.
The stakes are high for Ferrari at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Their new floor update for the SF-25 is not just a technical enhancement but a strategic maneuver to rectify prior shortcomings. With Hamilton and Leclerc ready to test the mettle of these changes, all eyes will be on whether Ferrari can claw back to form and close in on their rivals.
