Bahrain GP: Ferrari leads Red Bull and McLaren in technical developments

Ferrari arrived in Bahrain with a series of significant aerodynamic modifications, marking its first major development of the 2025 season. Five elements were tweaked, all focused on the rear of the SF-25, a direct response to Lewis Hamilton’s repeated complaints about his car’s instability. The Italian team is also looking to close its gap to McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes.

Ferrari bets on a redesign of the floor

The modifications to the Scuderia focus on four areas of the floor: the vertical fins at the front, the floor body with a redesigned leading edge, the outer edge of the floor, and a redesign of the diffuser. According to the official technical documents published by the FIA, these changes aim to improve the management of downstream air losses and channel more air towards the diffuser to generate more downforce on the rear of the car. Additionally, there is an update to the central pillar deflector (rear wing), designed to enhance overall aerodynamic efficiency.

All these changes specifically address the instability issues at the rear of the car reported by Lewis Hamilton, who confirmed after free practice on Friday «, “The evolutions definitely work […] We are moving step by step, and now we have to make the most of it. » His teammate Charles Leclerc, although satisfied with the improvements, remains clear-headed: « The potential of the car remains the same, and we are simply not fast enough. When we look at McLaren, they are on another planet for now. », he stated after free practice.

Red Bull modifies its front wing

The Austrian team is not to be outdone and also offers upgrades for its car. Red Bull has developed a new longer chord flap for the front wing, providing increased aerodynamic load potential. This modification allows the team to better balance the car with the different rear wing configurations available to them.

In addition to this aerodynamic improvement, Red Bull has also adapted its cooling system to the expected conditions in Bahrain by widening the openings of its side louvers for better airflow around the power unit.

McLaren reviews the front aerodynamics

McLaren adopts a more targeted approach with a single update focused on the front of its MCL39. The British team has developed a new fin for the front brake duct, aiming to improve airflow conditioning and, consequently, overall aerodynamic performance.

This modification, although less visible than those of Ferrari, aims to bring a continuous improvement to McLaren which seeks to maintain its competitiveness against its competitors.

Haas adjusts its cooling system

Haas, like Red Bull, chose to adapt its car to the specific cooling requirements of the Bahrain circuit. The American team widened the central outlet of the engine cover to allow for better heat dissipation.

According to the technical documents of the team, this modification is not permanent but constitutes an option that will be used only when needed, particularly during races where ambient temperatures are particularly high, such as in Bahrain.

A first step for Ferrari, but challenges persist

Despite these advances, Ferrari remains limited by a recurring problem: the inability to run the car as low as desired, due to fear of excessive wear on the skids under the chassis, leading to a risk of disqualification. Hamilton hopes the team will manage to fine-tune the settings for qualifying, but the gap with McLaren, the best car on Friday according to Charles Leclerc, remains concerning.

For McLaren and Red Bull, these adjustments confirm a pragmatic approach, favoring optimization over revolutions.