The 2024 season has been a landmark year for Ferrari. Despite securing only one victory so far, the signing of Lewis Hamilton added a memorable highlight. Ferrari began the season strong, steadily closing the gap to front-runner Red Bull. However, progress with the SF24 stalled unexpectedly, slowing their momentum.
This shift allowed teams like McLaren and Mercedes to pull ahead in recent races, leaving Ferrari’s technical team with the daunting task of regaining their competitive edge before the season’s end. Although the team has again shown signs of resurgence with a victory in the Austin GP, the chances of winning a world title are negligible. Therefore, the team is focusing on the 2025 project. According to a report, the team might consider designing a car specifically for Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari To Welcome Lewis Hamilton With “Project 677”
As Ferrari prepares for the 2025 Formula 1 season, new technical insights about the car that Lewis Hamilton will drive have emerged from Italian sources. This highly anticipated transition will see Hamilton make the momentous shift from Mercedes to Ferrari, stepping into a car not yet as competitive as the frontrunners from Red Bull or McLaren.
Ferrari’s 2025 vehicle, dubbed ‘Project 677,’ will introduce a pull-rod suspension at the front, a significant change from the current push-rod configuration. The rear suspension will continue with its existing pull-rod setup, distinguishing it from competitors who favor push-rod systems at the back. Ferrari’s unique rear suspension design, often highlighted as a foundational element of the car’s handling, is particularly effective at managing tire degradation—a strength they bolstered with mid-season upgrades in 2024.
Project 677 will also feature subtle changes in the gearbox placement and an evolved cooling system. This update aims to provide aerodynamic flexibility along the lower sides of the car, although it’s described as a moderate adjustment rather than a complete overhaul. Ferrari’s technical structure has also seen shifts ahead of Hamilton’s arrival. Enrico Cardile, a prominent member of the Ferrari engineering team, is set to depart for Aston Martin as technical director. Loic Serra, recently recruited from Mercedes, will be stepping into a critical role, where he worked closely with Hamilton on chassis design. Serra will oversee Ferrari’s chassis development, bringing his Mercedes expertise into the mix as Ferrari looks to elevate their competitiveness in 2025.
Mercedes In Serious “Budget Cap” Trouble After George Russell’s Crash
oto Wolff recently shared concerns over Mercedes’ mounting challenges related to the budget cap, compounded by a series of costly crashes. The team has faced significant financial strain due to multiple incidents involving their drivers, with Kimi Antonelli’s major accident at Monza and George Russell’s back-to-back crashes, first in Austin and then this weekend.
Following Russell’s latest crash, Wolff indicated that the team may salvage the chassis, but extensive repairs are needed for the rest of the car. This includes removing the engine, inspecting the gearbox, and replacing other major components, as two corners of the car sustained severe damage.
The recent crash in FP2 registered a substantial impact force of 35G, sending Russell to the medical center for evaluation, where he was cleared. Although Mercedes has spare parts on hand, the repeated damage significantly strains both resources and budget, highlighting the intense pressures of staying competitive while adhering to financial limits in F1.