Ferrari are determined to triumphantly return to the top this season with a determined driver lineup who know all the ways to win.
As we approach the 2025 Formula One season, the Scuderia look to be the team that are, without doubt, the most threatening.
Sir Lewis Hamilton enters the Maranello setup after 12 seasons with Mercedes.
Ferrari appear to be full of promise as the seven-time World Champion joins the brilliant Charles Leclerc in red.
A trip to the dark side…
The F175 Live event last week welcomed the new SF-25 with a fresh race livery.
With the beginning of a new era for the team, a darker, more intense red has been used for the car. This change is said to represent a break from the previous two seasons.
Notable white HP accents spread across the new look as they aim to top both steps.
Hamilton joins the Ferrari paddock
“I’m writing my story and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.”
Sir Lewis links up with Fred Vasseur, reasoning the move to fulfil a childhood dream of his. Many fans are left wondering if Hamilton can be the man to make it a more memorable year for the Tifosi.
Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship last season with Carlos Sainz filling the number two seat. The Scuderia closed the gap to 14 points but couldn’t take the title from McLaren by the end.
Leclerc had a fantastic year in 2024, being victorious in three Grand Prix’s and sitting third on the podium for the Driver’s Championship by the final outing. The appointment of Hamilton into the paddock may just push Leclerc to bigger successes.
Lewis Hamilton took the SF-25 out for a spin in Bahrain pre-season testing.
The Brit’s driving style requires adjustments to the new design featuring an increased cockpit distance and pull rod front suspension. A detail which will improve the diving of the car under braking.
Early rumours did suggest Ferrari would have to make a potential switch to the Carbone Industries brakes he had become fond of at the Silver Arrows. However, it appears the Reds have stuck with their Brembo braking system which Hamilton has taken well to.
It has been known pre-season testing on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for both drivers has been going on. Additional testing with the 2026 Pirelli tires has proved to show the preparation the Scuderia for the upcoming season.
Atmosphere changes in the camp
Surpassing moments of tension on the track throughout ’24, Leclerc and Sainz were known to be good friends which helped them to succeed. However, the decision to open Carlos’ seat to Hamilton is set to cause a shift in the camp’s mood.
Reports have come stating Leclerc has been warned the feel inside Ferrari is set to change. It is now his job to steer the team away from backing the newcomer.
This could prove to be a con of the new pairing. However, with the rich experience and winning ability, the Red Devils could make the upcoming season one full of glory.
No number one driver is said to have been set, meaning the drivers will be in competition on track.
Can Ferrari return to winning ways?
The 2024 season was unquestionably a step in the right direction as they scored their highest number of victories since 2018 and pushed for the team’s top prize towards the final few races. It also came with a memorable home win in Monaco for Leclerc.
Achieving this twice throughout the year, Ferrari celebrated a one-two finish in Australia and United States. Both drivers leading one each.
Boss Fred Vasseur labelled their year as a “huge step forward” to the successes they aim to achieve this season.
The SF-24 proved to need improvements, with some races being a breeze and others being one to forget. Vasseur confirmed the recent break came with the direction to “improve everywhere”.
In terms of the competition, McLaren stick with the same pair being the team to beat this upcoming season. The other two competitors for the title are likely to remain Red Bull and the Silver Arrows.
Christian Horner’s Red Bull had a year full of ups and downs. A high of super Max Verstappen winning his fourth Championship with the low of Sergio Perez’s severe poor form. The team was held back by the underperformances of the number two, so welcome rookie Liam Lawson to the outfit with hopes to push the team up and act as someone to get even more out of the Dutch champion.
Mercedes also have young star Kimi Antonelli taking their number two spot in his rookie year. George Russell becomes the new team captain in Lewis Hamilton’s replacement, meaning a new dynamic may prove to prevail and prosper for Toto Wolff’s camp.
The Italian outfit’s target
Ferrari have come close to winning the title across the last 17 years, with 2024 being the closest they have come. The Scuderia were one podium finish away from having the reigning champions name.
With a new and improved car, secure leadership and two of the best talents on the grid, the goal for Ferrari is to top both Championships.
Leclerc is a proven race-winner, whilst Hamilton is a proven champ – this year is certainly the Scuderia Ferrari’s for the taking.
In a season of the rookies, and the year before the huge shift in regulations, a wide open title fight is expected in Formula One.
How did pre-season testing go?
Ferrari recorded 382 laps on-track with hopes to get a feel for the new car before the Australian Grand Prix.
It was the new man who recorded the quickest lap on the Bahrain track with a 1:29.379s time.
Hamilton stated after early tests “I am really enjoying the car” and that he is “slowly bonding” with the new SF-25.
The seven-time Champion finished a marginal second to Carlos Sainz across the whole pre-season testing.
