Ferrari has tried to maintain a level of privacy around Lewis Hamilton’s winter testing sessions, but with the high level of anticipation surrounding his move, keeping things under wraps has proven to be a difficult task.

Karun Chandhok described the buzz around Hamilton as “unreal,” even though the 2025 season is still weeks away. This attention is undoubtedly great news for F1’s commercial rights holders, Liberty Media, but Ferrari has been keen to maintain focus. Team principal Fred Vasseur, in particular, has sought to manage the fanfare surrounding Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello, concerned that it could become a distraction.

However, the French manager was unable to prevent thousands of fans from attending the British driver’s first test session a month ago. While the test in Barcelona, which included one run in the 2023 car and another in a modified 2024 Ferrari for Pirelli tire testing, saw no spectators, Hamilton’s debut in Maranello drew considerable crowds. Fortunately for Ferrari, Hamilton’s test was not without incident: on the first day, the superstar crashed, disrupting Charles Leclerc’s planned runs. The team downplayed the incident, and due to the lack of external witnesses, they were able to control the narrative surrounding the crash.

Next week, all 10 F1 teams will converge on Bahrain for the official pre-season testing, where secrecy will no longer be possible. Lap times and onboard footage will become publicly available, marking a new phase in the preparations for the season ahead.

Ferrari figures are urging patience as speculation grows over Hamilton’s lap times. Following Ferrari’s SF-25 shakedown at Fiorano, which was limited to 200km of running as per the rules, fans have been eager to analyze the performance of the car. After Charles Leclerc’s morning outing, Hamilton took his turn in the afternoon, but Ferrari has not released any times from the test. The team is likely to downplay the significance of the session, focusing instead on testing car functionality rather than performance.

Nevertheless, many are closely analyzing the limited data and drawing conclusions. Some are even calling Hamilton’s performance a ‘miracle,’ fueling further speculation. However, insiders at Ferrari are urging caution, advising the Tifosi to wait until next week when things will “really get serious” in Bahrain. At that point, the drivers will take on race simulations and qualifying runs, though it’s expected that some teams will be deliberately sandbagging their true performance.

In terms of the gap between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the test, one of the most critical objectives for Hamilton before the season begins will be adjusting to his new team. After 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton faces the challenge of resetting his approach to working with Ferrari’s engineers. The communication style at Ferrari, he says, is “completely” different from what he was used to at Mercedes, but the Briton is embracing the change. His engineer, Riccardo Adami, has previous experience working with both Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel.

Some reports claim to have obtained Ferrari’s lap time data from the Fiorano shakedown. According to these sources, Charles Leclerc was within hundredths of the all-time lap record at Fiorano, suggesting that he was pushing the car hard. Hamilton, however, was reportedly eight-tenths slower than Charles Leclerc, which has led to speculation about the difference in performance. If the figures are accurate, it would imply that Leclerc’s speed was the real standout, but other observers have reported varying data.

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Charles Leclerc ’s First SF-25 Run Offers Early Glimpse of Ferrari’s Potential

Charles Leclerc had the honor of being the first to drive Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 challenger, the SF-25, during a private test at the team’s Fiorano circuit on Wednesday. The session came just hours after Ferrari’s high-profile livery launch at The O2 in London, where team principal Frédéric Vasseur noted that Lewis Hamilton was visibly emotional as he was officially unveiled as a Ferrari driver in his home country.

Despite the whirlwind schedule, Charles Leclerc was back in his race suit in Italy, logging valuable laps during a 100km filming day. While the Monegasque won’t fully acclimate to the SF-25 until pre-season testing in Bahrain next week, the Fiorano outing provided an early opportunity to assess the car’s initial performance. With only three days of unrestricted running before the season kicks off in Australia, Ferrari is keen to ensure its latest design improvements translate into a genuine championship contender.

After narrowly missing out on the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren in 2024, Ferrari believes its revamped driver lineup gives it the best shot at breaking a 17-year title drought.

Leclerc’s Lap Time Nears Schumacher’s Fiorano Benchmark

According to Formula1.it, Charles Leclerc’s Fiorano run included various setup trials and promotional filming. While exact performance evaluations are difficult at this stage, journalist Paolo Ciccarone, reporting live from the track, noted that Charles Leclerc’s fastest lap of the day was a 56.06-second effort—just a fraction behind Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record of 55.999 seconds.

Given the cold track conditions and the unknown fuel load or setup Ferrari used, the time is an intriguing early indicator of the SF-25’s capabilities. Notably, Charles Leclerc ’s reported best lap in last year’s Ferrari was a 56.88, suggesting Ferrari has made at least a small step forward.

The session wasn’t open to the public, but thousands of Ferrari fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the team’s new car in action. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s fastest time remains undisclosed, and with reports of Charles Leclerc’s car stopping on track, it’s possible Ferrari opted for a more conservative approach with its newest signing.

Could Leclerc Disrupt Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut?

Speaking after his initial run, Leclerc made it clear that Ferrari must aim to fight for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2025. If the SF-25 proves to be a frontrunner, the Monegasque may find himself in the perfect position to chase his first title—and potentially overshadow Hamilton’s debut season in red.

Charles Leclerc’s qualifying prowess could give him an edge over Hamilton on Saturdays, and if Ferrari finds itself in a title fight, strategic calls may favor the driver starting ahead. With Max Verstappen still the benchmark, Charles Leclerc has a golden opportunity to stake his claim as Ferrari’s best shot at ending Red Bull’s dominance.

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The kilometers granted by the International Federation, at least on paper, for marketing purposes are now used by all F1 teams to gather the first data from the track. The main objective is to validate the data collected in recent days in the simulator, following specific tailor-made programs that the drivers must execute. Push laps alternating with cool-down laps and start tests to acquire as much information as possible—the first data from the sensors installed in the car to recalibrate the simulator and prepare for the imminent tests in Bahrain, after feedback from real conditions.

The first to take to the track was Charles Leclerc, who at 9:20 completed the first two laps, about 6 kilometers, at the wheel of the new single-seater. In the first of the six stints completed, the Monegasque carried out simple installation laps to check that everything was working correctly, that the sensors were providing accurate feedback, and to get his first driving impressions. Before returning to the pits, he performed a start test and then immediately had a briefing with the engineers to decide on the first adjustments. At that point, the mechanics worked on the car to address an issue related to lubricants.

The next three stints, from the second to the fourth, were identical: five laps each, with two push laps in the middle, interspersed with a cooldown lap. Additionally, at the end of each stint, Charles Leclerc carried out a start practice to test the new start dynamics. Overall, the SF-25 appeared to be quite balanced, showing some difficulties only when exiting the hairpin at Turn 7. In this case, the cold temperatures and tires not being up to temperature certainly did not help. Regarding the setup, we know that the team made adjustments to the ride height.

From what could be observed, the Maranello engineers progressively lowered the ride height of the car, which produced more sparks from the rear of the floor as the stints went on. Proportionally, thanks to the increased ground effect, lap times also improved. Although focusing on lap times is pointless, they dropped from the high 58 seconds to the low 57 seconds as the Monegasque driver became more comfortable with the car. Additionally, the Italian team used different engine mappings to test the power unit of the Ferrari more effectively.

To conclude his work, Charles Leclerc completed two different stints of 10 and 6 laps. The 10-lap penultimate stint was used for filming with the dedicated recording car. Furthermore, the Monegasque stopped twice outside the garage for quick discussions with mechanics and engineers—just a few seconds—before setting off again. In the final stint, however, Charles pushed the new Formula 1 car to its limits even further. He did so by using the drag reduction system system on Fiorano’s main straight.

In this way, the Ferrari driver set the best times of the day: two laps in 56.6 seconds, which was manually timed, with a cooldown lap in between to lower tire and car temperatures. Overall, the Monegasque driver completed 34 laps, covering 102 kilometers. In the early afternoon, it was Lewis Hamilton’s turn to test the new car on track. His program was largely identical to that of his Maranello teammate. However, in the Briton’s case, additional work was done to familiarize him with the team and its various procedures.

But the key factor, aside from what Charles Leclerc himself revealed regarding the absence of correlation issues between the simulator and track, concerns the setup studies carried out in preparation for next week’s pre-season testing session in Sakhir. Of course, Fiorano’s track is different from Bahrain’s, as are the temperatures. Nevertheless, it was crucial to test the SF-25 with the setup planned for next week. A clear indication of this is the spoon-shaped rear wing, a concept copied from McLaren and highly adaptable.

This specific design concentrates a lot of downforce in the central section while reducing the aerodynamic load towards the edges to minimize drag. Ferrari, therefore, chose to test the Bahrain-spec SF-25 to gather data. This information will be processed in the simulator over the coming days. The goal of this approach is to update the tools within the race operations department, reducing the number of unknown variables once the team arrives at the Middle Eastern circuit. From what we know, the collected feedback has been positive.

The SF-25 has shown an excellent response to setup adjustments, as its setup range is broader than in recent years. This was a key objective for Ferrari, aiming for greater adaptability across the various track layouts on the calendar. Just a few days remain before departure for Sakhir. The team has prepared as thoroughly as possible and will continue its efforts in theoretical simulations. Now, we can only wait for the track to deliver the final verdict. In the meantime, it is important to highlight Ferrari’s cautiously optimistic impressions of its first experience with the new car.

Finally, let’s a look at a key area of the Ferrari SF-25 car that we have not analyzed in the previous videos. The rear wing represents a change inspired by the McLaren wing introduced in the final races of the 2024 season. It features a pronounced spoon effect in the central area to concentrate as much downforce as possible there while offloading the outer edges as much as possible. The second flap has also undergone several modifications to further increase the efficiency of the movable device, thereby enhancing the speed delta when the wing is open. In the cockpit area, there is a casing for the mirrors, clearly designed for aerodynamic purposes.

The general idea is to manage the airflow over the sidepods more effectively. Regarding the floor, the latest specification seen in Las Vegas was essentially the first iteration of the 2025 car’s underbody. Ferrari carried out extensive wind tunnel work last summer, varying the materials of the rolling road. The SF-25’s floor follows the philosophy of the version introduced in Las Vegas. However, it is expected to feature some modifications in the Venturi channel area, considering the time spent improving the understanding of this particular component.

This effort aims to enhance aero-mechanical interaction once the correct development path has been identified. As previously announced, Ferrari is sticking with the rear pull-rod suspension. Loic Serra only began his work in October when he took charge of the technical group, which is why he did not enforce such a significant change. Ferrari had already invested heavily in the rear suspension last year.

The reasoning was simple: to exploit the advantages of a push-rod layout while maintaining the opposite pull-rod configuration. From a kinematic perspective, the solutions are identical. The main issue with the pull-rod is the lower placement of internal components, which restricts engineers from narrowing the junction between the engine cover and the floor—an area where, ideally, the bodywork would stay very close to the gearbox casing. Ferrari had miniaturized these elements with excellent results, as the pull-rod layout had never been a real limitation.

— see video above —

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For part of the fanbase, the so-called “gardener fan’s” gesture was seen as an expression of the passionate enthusiasm surrounding the new season. Expectations for the SF-25 are sky-high, especially with a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s caliber joining Ferrari. Many Ferrari supporters hope that his partnership with Charles Leclerc will finally bring a championship back to Italy after more than fifteen years.

On the other hand, not everyone approved of what happened in Fiorano. Among them were the Carabinieri, who, after the Ferrari filming day had concluded, stopped the fan to ask for an explanation.

The Fine Arrives
According to Italian newspaper *La Gazzetta di Modena*, the fan, who had already gone viral on social media, will be fined by law enforcement, though the exact amount of the penalty is unknown.

Cutting down trees on public land requires proper authorization, which was clearly lacking in this case. As a result, the fan will have to pay a fine that could be quite hefty.

 

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February 19, 2025, will remain one of the most important days in Formula 1 history, as Lewis Hamilton made his debut with his first Ferrari at Fiorano. A day that featured the SF-25 as the main protagonist, the new single-seater that will compete in the 2025 championship. The Ferrari SF-25 already excited fans at Fiorano today with its fastest lap recorded in the morning, which, however, hides a precise motivation.

The new single-seater of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc seems to have been born under the best auspices. On a cold February morning, the Scuderia’s “prince” was the first to get behind the wheel of the car that, until a few weeks ago, was known as the 677. After seeing its shapes and colors unveiled last night, many flocked to Fiorano to see it live. The Italian media was present on track to closely follow the activity of the new Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton.

It was a special day for everyone, with many fans hoping for a return to winning the drivers’ and constructors’ world titles. The SF-25’s starting foundation seems promising, with a lot of potential to be extracted and understood due to the new front pull-rod suspension. A single-seater that has undergone mechanical revolution and aerodynamic refinement. The SF-25 presents many differences and innovations compared to the “old” SF-24 that raced until mid-December.

Despite the event being a simple filming day, enthusiasts, onlookers, and industry insiders kept an eye on the stopwatch to understand how fast the SF-25 was. A relatively insignificant operation, considering the car’s early stage and, above all, the weather conditions.

Ferrari SF-25 one second faster at Fiorano compared to the SF-24?

The recorded times saw Charles Leclerc setting a best lap of 56.0 (to be confirmed). A striking reference if we consider the track record of 55.9 held by the F2004, but it is misleading. The SF-25 reportedly completed several fast laps, obviously far from the limit, for a very specific reason. F1inGenerale has learned that behind these numerous fast laps was the intention to verify the absence of bouncing on the short straight but especially in the long and medium-speed corners of Fiorano.

The Maranello-owned track is certainly not the ideal place to check this, but a combination of a soft setup and reduced ride height can help. A setup confirmed by the numerous sparks seen coming from Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 in the morning.

It seems that in Maranello, they have found a rather accurate correlation between the track and the simulator, allowing them to verify the presence (or absence) of bouncing in the newborn car. Ferrari now heads to Bahrain aware that its initial package matches the simulations and that it must accumulate many kilometers to fully understand the 677 project.

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Ferrari has been running on track on Wednesday. The Maranello-based F1 team decided to use the first slot for commercial filming—a very useful move to test the new car and, as much as possible given the limits imposed by the International Federation, gather initial feedback on the SF-25. The weather conditions were not great, but it was not expected to rain. Charles Leclerc completed the customary installation lap at 9:30 AM to check that all the car’s functions were working correctly.

The test went well, and the Monegasque began stringing together several laps, alternating push laps with cooldown laps. Then, on the second run, a power unit issue arose. A problem forced the mechanics to work on the lubrication system, as a fluid leak brought the red car’s run to a halt. Fortunately, the issue was quickly resolved. During this time, an initial briefing took place. The work program then continued without further setbacks. In these cases, considering that it is a filming day, the Italian team has to carefully manage the mileage.

Data collection has been solid, even considering the limitations on top speed. To give a first impression of the new F1 car, we can say it appears well-balanced. The front end of the Ferrari SF-25 seemed solid, with the rear following the front quite well. The car’s behavior, in the run after a roughly 35-minute stop, appeared generally understeery. Charles Leclerc did not hold back and, from the first lap, tried to push the red car into the corners. His adaptation was very good, showing clean and overall well-manageable handling.

Following this initial run, the Ferrari driver returned to the garage to allow the mechanics to adjust the car’s setup. The change was evident in the next run, where the car’s behavior was different. Oversteer became more pronounced. According to information reported by the Italian media, Ferrari attempted to correct the lack of rotation with a more extreme setup. After all, in these early stages, the goal is to understand the car as much as possible and see how it reacts to various changes. It is crucial to determine the car’s operating range.

Considering lap times with the new car is rather pointless, given the track conditions and the nature of the event. In the final run, Charles Leclerc carried out several practice starts. He also pushed again, searching for the limit with a very sharp front end. A good first outing for Charles Leclerc, despite the minor setback. Then, a lunch break followed, after which the seven-time F1 world champion made his debut with the Ferrari SF-25. The Briton followed a program similar to his Maranello teammate’s. We eagerly await to comment on Lewis Hamilton’s performance as well.

— see video above —

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In the classic Fiorano setting, just before 9:25 AM, the SF-25 completed its first kilometers with Charles Leclerc at the wheel, while the afternoon session will be driven by newcomer Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari will cover a total of 200 kilometers, the maximum allowed under regulations for filming days—promotional events intended for commercial footage and for the team to verify all systems before pre-season testing.

During the initial outing, Charles Leclerc completed two installation laps before returning to the pits, where engineers analyzed the first set of parameters. This was followed by another stint of about ten laps, which also included a practice start. Meanwhile, Ferrari President John Elkann arrived at Fiorano to witness the new car’s debut.

Visually, the most noticeable element is the updated livery, which features more white accents on the engine cover and rear wing, along with a different shade of red compared to previous years, though the matte finish remains as in recent seasons.

On the technical front, the most significant changes are in the front and central sections of the car. The front suspension has been completely redesigned, moving from a push-rod to a pull-rod setup to improve aerodynamics and align with rival solutions.

In the central area of the SF-25, the sidepods have been entirely reworked, modifying both the radiator inlet shape and the undercut below it to create more space and enhance airflow management toward the car’s rear.

New cooling outlets have been introduced on the upper engine cover, along with a redesigned rear wing featuring a “V” profile and a DRS flap connection inspired by the one seen on the Mercedes W15.

Last year, the championship was lost in the final race by just a few points, largely due to mid-season development struggles. However, Ferrari managed to recover, delivering a strong car in the latter part of the championship—one that was competitive enough to fight for the title until the final moments in Abu Dhabi.

The reason Ferrari was able to extend the title fight to the very end wasn’t just technical but also sporting. The team demonstrated solid execution in race operations, making significant progress in strategy, an area that had been a weakness in previous years.

Vasseur has strengthened the team in the right areas, and now it’s time to capitalize on the work done over the past two years, aiming for the world championship with dominance not just on the sporting side but also on the technical front. The French Team Principal has made no secret of Ferrari’s 2025 objective: turning a dream into a concrete target.

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The long wait is almost over as the F1-75 LIVE event marks the start of the new season. Expectations are sky-high for what promises to be an exciting championship. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are ready to take Ferrari’s latest creation out on track for the first time.

Formula 1’s winter break is coming to an end, making way for the first steps toward Bahrain, where the only pre-season test sessions will take place. These three days of testing, scheduled from February 26 to 28, will be covered minute by minute by F1inGenerale.com. Just two weeks later, on March 16, the season kicks off with the opening round in Australia.

McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes are expected to be the main contenders for the 2025 title. With two championships up for grabs—Drivers’ and Constructors’—the ultimate goal is to unify the crowns, which were split between Max Verstappen and the McLaren team last season. Reports suggest that Ferrari has gained an advantage, thanks in part to the synergy between Hamilton and Leclerc. Now, the track will provide the real answers.

Ferrari SF-25 at Fiorano: When Will It Hit the Track?
Following the O2 Arena event in London and the release of the SF-25 renders, the focus will immediately shift to the shakedown. On February 19, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will take turns behind the wheel at Fiorano, making use of the 200 km allowed for filming days. According to the Italian website AutoRacer.it, the program is set to begin around 9:30 AM.

Charles Leclerc will be the first to take the wheel in the morning, completing an initial 100 km run (roughly 30 laps) as part of the car’s shakedown. Lewis Hamilton’s first drive in the SF-25 is scheduled for the afternoon, right after the lunch break.

Ferrari Filming Day at Fiorano: Where to Follow the SF-25’s Debut?
Local authorities are preparing for an influx of fans who, as per tradition, will gather at the circuit to witness the birth of Ferrari’s latest F1 machine. This unique opportunity is expected to draw thousands of passionate supporters. A few days ago, a complete guide was published detailing the best spots to watch the SF-25’s first laps live.

For those unable to attend in person, our website will provide full coverage and updates from the shakedown. Make sure to also follow our social media channels for exclusive images and video from Fiorano.

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Lewis Hamilton’s initial Ferrari test was a brief but intense experience. The team configured the car specifically for a Sprint race, which is approximately one-third of a full Grand Prix distance.

Lewis Hamilton completed a 90km run at the Fiorano circuit, which is located near Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello. A lap around the track takes just under a minute, making the session relatively short in duration. Teammate Charles Leclerc also drove the same car, the SF-23, later on the same day. Despite the difference in conditions, Charles Leclerc was six seconds slower than Hamilton during his 14-lap stint, though it’s important to note that the conditions weren’t entirely representative.

The test attracted over a thousand spectators, who gathered in hopes of seeing Hamilton on track. However, they were met with a misty, damp atmosphere that briefly threatened to postpone the session. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Ferrari managed to carry out their planned run, though with some disruptions. This test represented only a small portion of Hamilton’s overall winter testing mileage.

Hamilton’s schedule includes several upcoming key events, such as a Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona and a 2025 car shakedown at Fiorano. Following those sessions, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will split three days of testing in Bahrain as part of the official pre-season preparations.

One of the standout moments during Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari outing was his exceptional car control, particularly given the “practically zero grip” conditions at Fiorano. A report from Motorsport Italy highlighted Hamilton’s positive relationship with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, who has previously worked with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton, who has been accustomed to the guidance of Peter Bonnington at Mercedes for the past 12 seasons, chose to remain at Brackley and continue working with Kimi Antonelli for now.

During the test, the British driver did experience a few challenges. A photograph showed him locking up his brakes, although this was not a cause for concern; it was simply a result of him pushing the car harder to better understand its limits. At times, he came close to dipping a wheel into the gravel at the track’s edges, but he consistently kept the car under control, despite the difficult conditions.

Hamilton’s reputation for excelling in slippery conditions is well known. Even though last season was statistically one of his most challenging, he delivered an outstanding performance at the British Grand Prix, where changing weather conditions made for a tough but rewarding race, culminating in a victory.

His first test for Ferrari attracted significant attention from the Italian media, with Hamilton managing to draw a larger-than-expected crowd despite the months of anticipation. However, if he continues on the trajectory from last season, there could be widespread disappointment. A smooth winter testing period will be essential for him to position himself for success, but one F1 regulation change could hinder his progress. The new TPC rule limits experienced drivers to 1,000km across four days, and Hamilton has already used nearly 10% of this allocation. Interestingly, Ferrari were one of the teams that advocated for this rule change, which may end up working against them.

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On a foggy Wednesday, around 3,000 fans gathered at the legendary Ferrari test track to catch a glimpse of the British driver as he completed 30 laps in the SF-23. Hamilton is set to continue testing privately later this month in preparation for the new season, while Ferrari has announced that it will unveil its 2025 car on February 19th.

In an interesting twist, it was reported by Motorsport.nl that Esteban Ocon, a Haas driver, was also present at the Ferrari factory in Maranello on the same day as Lewis Hamilton. Esteban Ocon was there to carry out duties in Ferrari’s simulator as part of preparations for the winter testing and the upcoming Formula 1 season.

Haas, which has been in partnership with Ferrari since joining the grid in 2016, shares technical resources, including key components such as gearboxes and suspension parts. This collaboration allows Haas to leverage Ferrari’s engineering expertise, although the partnership has been limited since the introduction of the cost cap in 2021, which curbed the sharing of wind tunnel time and engineers’ input to prevent teams from offsetting costs.

Esteban Ocon’s visit to Maranello on the same day as Lewis Hamilton’s testing session involved working in Ferrari’s simulator to prepare for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign. Haas currently lacks its own simulator, but this may soon change due to a growing collaboration with Toyota.

Additionally, Haas made headlines in January by participating in its first-ever “Testing of Previous Cars” session. This allowed Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman, and Ritomo Miyata to complete laps in a 2023-spec car at the Jerez Circuit, helping them fine-tune their skills ahead of the new season. Haas is also scheduled to test its 2025 car at Silverstone on February 16th, with Ocon set to be prioritized over Bearman for this session.

For 2025, Esteban Ocon will be working with Laura Mueller, who will make history as the first female F1 race engineer. This marks part of a broader restructuring within the Haas race team as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the new season.

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