new rear suspension set for on-track debut tomorrow

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F1 | Ferrari Completes TPC with SF-23 at Mugello as New Rear Suspension Will Be Tested Tomorrow on the SF-25

Scuderia Ferrari continues its development work in the 2025 Formula 1 season with a focused two-day test session at the Mugello Circuit. The Italian team is making full use of its allocated time at the Tuscan track, combining Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) with preparation for an important filming day dedicated to gathering critical data on a new rear suspension system.

On the first day of testing, the Ferrari SF-23 — the car used during the 2023 Formula 1 season — was run extensively by Ferrari’s test drivers, with Guanyu Zhou and Antonio Fuoco alternating at the wheel. The session was managed by the Scuderia’s dedicated test team from Maranello. Meanwhile, the current SF-25 made only a brief appearance on track, completing just a couple of demonstration laps in its standard race configuration with Antonio Giovinazzi behind the wheel. These laps were conducted to gather telemetry data, which will serve as a baseline for comparison when the new rear suspension is installed and tested on the following day.

The current SF-25 configuration used during this demo run was identical to that which Ferrari has employed throughout the first 12 rounds of the 2025 Formula One World Championship. The team’s goal is to directly compare this version with the updated configuration featuring the newly designed rear suspension system.

Unfortunately, the day’s activities were cut short due to a sudden but intense thunderstorm that hit the Mugello track, disrupting the planned schedule. Rain had not been forecast, and there is a possibility of another downpour affecting the second day of testing as well.

Nevertheless, Ferrari’s mechanics are now preparing the SF-25 to be equipped with the new rear suspension system, which is expected to hit the track tomorrow during a filming day. During this session, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s two official race drivers, will share driving duties. The team aims to complete up to 200 kilometers of running, as permitted under FIA filming day regulations, minus the distance already covered during the demo laps, in order to remain compliant with the allowed mileage limit monitored by an FIA steward.

The team has strategically divided the testing responsibilities. The test drivers focused on assessing setup changes on the older SF-23 chassis, allowing the race drivers to concentrate exclusively on evaluating the new rear suspension on the SF-25. This suspension upgrade was developed under the guidance of Loïc Serra, who is leading efforts to address the car’s dynamic shortcomings. The objective is to reduce the SF-25’s sensitivity to ride height variations and provide a more predictable and stable platform. This should, in turn, help broaden the operating window of the Pirelli tyres and give both drivers a more confidence-inspiring car, especially under the limits of qualifying and race pace.

There are indications that Ferrari’s engineers may also be refining the power steering system, which has been a known source of concern for both Leclerc and Hamilton, particularly when trying to extract maximum performance from the car in high-load situations.

The new rear suspension architecture involves a revised layout of the upper triangle’s front arm, which has been mounted lower in its connection to the gearbox casing. This change is designed to enhance the anti-squat effect, which improves rear stability and traction under acceleration.

By comparing telemetry data from today’s demo laps with the on-track feedback from Leclerc and Hamilton tomorrow, Ferrari’s technical staff will be able to make a detailed assessment of the suspension upgrade’s impact. The Mugello Circuit provides an ideal testing environment due to its diverse range of corners and aggressive kerbs, which place significant demands on the car’s chassis and suspension setup.

Tomorrow’s session could mark the beginning of a new developmental phase for the Scuderia’s troubled 2025 season. While it is unrealistic to expect a complete turnaround of a campaign that began with unfulfilled expectations and performance gaps, Ferrari is focused on defending its current second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Occasional race victories may still be within reach, provided the SF-25 can deliver improved consistency and performance with the updated components.