Tensions are running high within the Ferrari camp as team members clash over the introduction of an upgraded floor for the SF-25 ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
With the Bahrain Grand Prix around the corner, Ferrari finds itself at a crossroads regarding a significant upgrade. The Italian team reportedly has a new floor ready for the SF-25, designed to enhance stability and balance, shifting the car’s center of pressure forward. However, there’s a split decision on whether to implement it this weekend. While the aerodynamics department supports the change, team principal Fred Vasseur and technical director Loic Serra favor waiting until further balance issues are resolved. They suggest debuting the floor in Miami, two races down the line, to ensure its effectiveness is accurately assessed.
Ferrari’s season has been turbulent, with Lewis Hamilton leading the China Sprint race but faltering in the more important Grand Prix events. The SF-25 has been criticized for its lack of balance, particularly experiencing understeer early in the 2025 season. The new floor aims to generate more efficient downforce, allowing the car to maintain optimal performance without risking skid block wear—a problem that led to Hamilton’s disqualification in the Chinese Grand Prix.
As Ferrari mulls this critical decision, Lewis Hamilton has hinted at underperforming components on his car, adding pressure to find a solution. He mentioned after the race in Japan, where he finished seventh, that there’s been a noticeable deficit in performance on his side of the garage. “I’m happy I moved forwards,” Hamilton stated, showing hope for improvements in the upcoming races. His desire for positive changes mirrors the team’s need to close the gap on competitors, finding themselves fourth in the Constructors’ standings, significantly trailing behind leaders McLaren.
Hamilton openly expressed his concerns about the car’s current state to Sky F1, hoping that resolving these issues will lead to better results. He’s optimistic yet realistic about Ferrari’s need to enhance performance levels to compete with top-ranking teams. The pressure mounts on Ferrari to make a strategic decision that could impact the rest of their 2025 season.
The decision over the new floor is more than a technical choice; it represents Ferrari’s broader strategy for the year—a choice between immediate potential gains or waiting for better overall performance. As the Bahrain GP approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they take the risk or play it safe. This decision could very well define the trajectory of their season, with both Hamilton and Leclerc hungry for better results.
The internal conflict at Ferrari highlights the complex balance between innovation and strategic patience in Formula 1. As the team deliberates on their next move, the motorsport world watches closely, eager to see which direction Ferrari will steer their 2025 campaign.
