Ferrari is considering a major shift in strategy as it gears up for Lewis Hamilton’s anticipated arrival in 2025. The Italian team, which has made significant strides this year with its SF-24 model, is exploring the possibility of adopting Red Bull’s pull-rod front suspension concept to stay competitive.
Ferrari has been in a tight race this season, contending with Red Bull and McLaren for the title. Despite the gains from their recent development package at the Imola Grand Prix and the upcoming aero package for the British GP, team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that making further improvements is becoming increasingly challenging. ‘With the cost cap and the current regulation, you have to manage both sides and we will bring upgrades when we have something to bring,’ Vasseur stated. He added that the performance gains are smaller now compared to two years ago due to the convergence of performance.
As Ferrari pushes to maintain momentum, there are talks of more aggressive changes for the 2025 car. Vasseur indicated that the team is concurrently working on updates for this season, next year’s car, and initial concepts for the 2026 power unit. This multi-project approach is aimed at ensuring sustained development and readiness for upcoming regulatory changes.
Speculation around the 2025 car suggests Ferrari might make significant alterations rather than simply evolving the SF-24 model. One potential change is the adoption of a pull-rod front suspension, similar to what Red Bull and McLaren use. This design offers aerodynamic benefits by improving airflow around the front of the car and enhancing the efficiency of the venturi tunnels underneath. However, this switch would necessitate an entirely new chassis, new suspension attachments, and modifications to internal mechanisms. It could also prompt a change in the driver’s position to optimize weight distribution.
Ferrari’s move towards this suspension setup aligns with its ongoing efforts to recruit Adrian Newey for input on its 2026 car. The team currently uses a pull-rod rear suspension and sees no significant advantage in switching to a push-rod design used by other teams. Technical director Enrico Cardile mentioned, ‘We recorded good aero results moving towards this direction and when moving from pull-rod to push-rod, we didn’t measure a big advantage to justify some compromise in terms of weight or compliance.’
Ferrari’s potential shift to Red Bull’s suspension concept highlights its commitment to innovation and competitiveness as it prepares for Hamilton’s arrival. With multiple projects underway and a focus on strategic changes, Ferrari aims to remain a formidable force in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.
Source: Motorsport
