As Ferrari prepares to welcome Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season, the iconic team has reportedly made a key adjustment to their car that could significantly improve Hamilton’s driving comfort. The change comes after Hamilton voiced frustration over the cockpit position in his Mercedes during his penultimate season in 2023, claiming it was too close to the front wheels. This modification aims to address that issue and potentially enhance Ferrari’s competitiveness in F1 2025.
Ferrari Makes Changes to the Cockpit Position for Improved Comfort
According to Italian Motorsport.com, Ferrari’s F1 2025 car, Project 677, features a newly adjusted cockpit position, with the seat moved further back for better weight distribution. This change is expected to improve tyre management and the overall balance of the car. Such adjustments have been speculated for several months, especially after Hamilton’s own complaints about the cockpit’s proximity to the front wheels in his Mercedes.
In 2023, Hamilton described the feeling of being “too close to the front wheels,” which led to a disrupted sense of control and made the car harder to predict. By moving the cockpit back, Ferrari aims to alleviate this issue and provide Hamilton with a more balanced and responsive driving experience.
How This Change Will Impact Hamilton’s Driving Style
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as a potential career rejuvenation, especially after struggling to maintain his dominant form at Mercedes over the past two seasons. With a new team and a car designed to better suit his needs, Hamilton hopes to challenge for a record-breaking eighth World Championship in F1 2025.
The new cockpit configuration, alongside other key design changes, such as the pullrod front suspension and revised wheelbase, aligns with Ferrari’s plans to produce a more agile and competitive car. These upgrades are expected to give the team a better chance to compete with rivals like Red Bull, who dominated the 2024 season, and McLaren, who posed a serious threat to Mercedes and Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton’s Influence on Ferrari’s 2025 Car Design
It is widely believed that Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari played a direct role in shaping the design of the Project 677 car. Former Mercedes engineer Loic Serra, now Ferrari’s chassis technical director, worked closely with Hamilton during their time at Mercedes. Serra shares Hamilton’s reservations about the previous zero-pod design and is believed to have influenced Ferrari’s decision to adopt a more driver-friendly car setup.
Moreover, Ferrari’s decision to retain the pullrod rear suspension, which was also present in the 2024 SF-24, further highlights how the team is focusing on tyre management and overall performance. Despite some controversy over the design, Ferrari believes this suspension system is crucial for ensuring better stability and longevity in tire wear, especially on longer race weekends.
Ferrari’s Ambitious Plans for F1 2025
With a team that includes Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s aspirations for the 2025 Formula 1 season are higher than ever. The team finished just behind McLaren in the 2024 Constructors’ standings, but with Project 677 now fully developed, the team is aiming to secure their first World Championship since 2008.
Conclusion: A New Era for Ferrari and Hamilton
The changes to Ferrari’s car for F1 2025, particularly the adjusted cockpit position, represent the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the team and Lewis Hamilton. With a car tailored to his preferences, Hamilton will have the tools to fight for his eighth World Championship. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s push for a championship will be bolstered by their investment in driver feedback and technical innovation. The stage is set for a thrilling season of Formula 1 racing, and Ferrari’s changes could prove to be the catalyst for success in 2025
