Ferrari Shifts Development Focus to Align with Hamilton and Leclerc’s Driving Preferences for 2025 F1 Season
Ferrari is reportedly shaping its 2025 Formula 1 car design around the driving styles of its soon-to-be star driver, Lewis Hamilton, and current ace Charles Leclerc. This strategic move comes as Hamilton prepares to end his long-standing association with Mercedes, making a high-profile switch to Ferrari with a multi-year contract that will extend beyond his racing career.
The decision marks a significant shift in Ferrari’s technical approach, aiming to optimize car performance for both Hamilton and Leclerc, who share a preference for a vehicle with a responsive front end and an active rear. The design changes are expected to include the adoption of a pull-rod front suspension, a departure from Ferrari’s traditional development path, which has typically focused on a pull-rod rear suspension.
The introduction of the pull-rod front suspension, guided by Loic Serra—Ferrari’s incoming Head of Chassis Performance Engineering and a former Mercedes expert—is part of a broader restructuring of the team’s technical department. Serra, who may also take on the role of Technical Director at Ferrari, is expected to play a pivotal role in these developments, bringing with him experience from his time at Mercedes, where he contributed to the team’s dominance in F1.
This redesign of the front suspension will necessitate significant changes to the current chassis of the SF-24, marking a bold move for Ferrari as they adapt to Hamilton’s driving needs. The seven-time World Champion’s arrival is seen as a catalyst for Ferrari to unify its development focus, particularly given that both Hamilton and Leclerc have similar driving styles that prioritize a car with strong front-end grip and a lively rear.
In contrast, outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz prefers a car that is more stable at the rear and prone to understeer, leading to a car development direction that has often been divided between his and Leclerc’s preferences. Hamilton’s integration into the team is expected to bring more consistency to Ferrari’s development path, potentially leading to a more cohesive and competitive package in the coming seasons.
Leclerc has expressed excitement about teaming up with Hamilton, viewing the partnership as an opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s greatest drivers. “It is very motivating because I am intrigued by the comparison with Lewis in the same car,” Leclerc stated, highlighting his anticipation for the collaboration.
As Ferrari sets its sights on returning to the top of the Formula 1 hierarchy, the alignment of car development with the driving styles of Hamilton and Leclerc could prove crucial in achieving the team’s ambitions. The changes coming for 2025 suggest that Ferrari is fully committed to maximizing the potential of its driver lineup, with hopes that this new approach will yield championship-winning results.
Photo from Ferrari Instagram
