Ferrari shows up in Bahrain with updates. Lewis Hamilton confirmed it in the usual Thursday interviews. The Brit is very excited, as unlocking potential is the necessary move for the Maranello team. A step forward is as essential as air, even though Lewis himself made it clear he doesn’t expect to be on par with McLaren. The development plan is extensive and requires time.
We have talked about the floor from every possible angle. Anyone saying the Italian team didn’t try to bring the new floor to Japan is lying — or worse, mocking just to show off. But never mind, who cares. What matters is that the updated floor is here in Bahrain. We will likely have to wait until tomorrow for confirmation, since such a crucial component for downforce generation is kept hidden until the last moment.
Ferrari’s goal with this first floor evolution remains the same: to strengthen the interaction between aerodynamics and the mechanics of the car. To balance the car and widen the setup window. To have more base balance so the drivers can perform at their best, as so far they have not found full confidence with the car. A necessary move to return to the real fight.
Beyond that, a perfect weekend is needed. It sounds like a cliché, but it must be proven on track. Red Bull does it to perfection, as we saw with Max Verstappen last weekend. Even from this point of view, a step forward is needed. Because even though the 2025 Formula 1 world championship is still very long with its 21 rounds, the points gap in the standings is already significant and making up for it is never easy.
Let’s take a look at the rear configurations of the top teams. For Ferrari, we once again see the same rear wing, at least for now. Another specification might appear, but like the floor, it remains hidden for the moment. We will wait to find out more. Compared to McLaren’s specification, which is essentially the same version seen in last weekend in the Japanese Grand Prix, we observe a similar level of downforce.
However, it must be noted that the rear-end configuration of this generation of single-seaters is not based solely on the wing. You also need to factor in the incidence of the specific setup and what kind of beam wing is chosen — a small component that completes the rear downforce. Vertical rear load is crucial at the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, as rear-end slippage is very likely.
That’s why it is essential to protect this rear axle, especially considering that Sakhir is a rear-limited track. As mentioned, it remains to be seen whether Ferrari will use a new rear-end specification — more efficient and capable of widening the setup window and, by extension, boosting the car’s competitiveness. Lewis Hamilton seemed pleased; let’s hope the same goes for Charles Leclerc.
Red Bull also opts for the same downforce level used in Suzuka, where Max Verstappen’s brilliance and the Austrian team’s excellent work in dialing in the car made a big difference. This version will work differently in Sakhir — after all, it is always a matter of compromises and choices to hit the right grip level. In this case, a lot of longitudinal grip is needed.
A challenge the Milton Keynes squad aims to win, saying they are nearly certain of hitting the RB21’s operating window on this circuit. Finally, Mercedes — among the top teams — is showing a smaller frontal area to gain top speed on the straights. On this stop-and-go track, traction is needed, but so is high top speed. Only tomorrow will we see whether their equation is competitive or not.
— see video above —
Apr 11, 2025
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