Why Ferrari is Considering a Radical F1 Suspension Overhaul for Hamilton's Arrival
As Ferrari navigates a competitive Formula 1 season, eyes are already on the horizon, eyeing the transformation that could coincide with Lewis Hamilton's highly-anticipated arrival in 2025. Traditionally known for its iconic racing legacy, the Italian marque is contemplating a shift from its current push-rod suspension system to a Red Bull-inspired pull-rod solution, hoping to set a new benchmark in F1 engineering.
Current Performance and New Ideas
With two victories from the opening eight races, Ferrari is holding strong at second place in the Constructors’ standings. Their latest substantial upgrade package, showcased at Imola, demonstrated promising results when Charles Leclerc clinched victory in Monaco. However, team principal Frederic Vasseur has frankly admitted that achieving further gains is becoming increasingly difficult under the sport’s stringent cost cap.
“With the cost cap and the current regulation, you have to manage both sides, and we will bring upgrades when we have something substantial,” Vasseur explained. “It means that each upgrade now yields significantly smaller gains than in previous seasons, which is normal given the rules and budget constraints.”
Next Season's Planning
Despite these challenges, Ferrari is already eyeing the next few seasons with optimism and strategic foresight. Vasseur revealed that while current upgrades for the SF-24 continue to roll out, significant resources are being channeled towards the design of the 2025 car and the next-generation 2026 power unit. “We’ve already given the go-ahead for the 2025 car, and work on the 2026 power unit began some time ago,” he stated.
The formidable task ahead involves not just minor tweaks but potentially radical changes, such as transitioning from the current push-rod suspension to a pull-rod system. Sources suggest that Ferrari has pinpointed this area as a critical opportunity to gain aerodynamic efficiency and capitalize on the arrival of Hamilton.
Why the Change?
Switching to a pull-rod suspension aligns Ferrari with solutions employed by both Red Bull and McLaren since the new regulations came into effect in 2022. The idea is that the pull-rod configuration offers better aerodynamic benefits, particularly in terms of airflow over the front of the car and the crucial venturi tunnels on the floor. Enrico Cardile, Ferrari's Technical Director, has previously explained that while their current setup provides good aerodynamic results, the team didn’t see enough advantage to justify the weight or compliance compromises of switching to a pull-rod system previously.
However, with diminishing returns on the current setup and increasing competition, Ferrari appears ready to make bolder decisions. Such an overhaul would necessitate a complete chassis revamp, a task that would be challenging to implement mid-season but feasible during the development phase leading up to the 2025 season.
Ferrari SF-24 leads at the start of the race. 26.05.2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 8, Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Race Day."/>Looking Towards 2025 and Beyond
As Ferrari aims for a future with enhanced performance and stronger competitive standing, the decision to potentially switch to pull-rod suspension underscores their ambition. The changes may well coincide with Lewis Hamilton's arrival from Mercedes in 2025, bringing fresh expertise and a new dynamic to the team’s already formidable lineup.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where fractions of a second can define success or failure, Ferrari is making calculated moves. As the team balances immediate performance gains with long-term strategic investments, the 2025 season could mark a new era for the prancing horse, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled driving talent.