F1 News: Ferrari Could Copy Red Bull For Lewis Hamilton’s Car

As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve under intense regulatory and financial constraints, Ferrari is actively exploring strategies that may include emulating successful designs from teams like Red Bull for when Lewis Hamilton joins the team next season. Fred Vasseur, the team principal at Ferrari, has openly discussed the challenges and strategic decisions shaping the future of Ferrari’s Formula 1 efforts, particularly heading into 2025 and 2026.

Vasseur recently confirmed that the initial stages of the 2025 car project are already underway, stressing the significant limitations imposed by the sport’s cost cap and current regulations. According to Vasseur, via F1i.com, these constraints dramatically alter the developmental pace of the Scuderia’s Formula 1 machinery.

“With the cost cap and the current regulation, you have to manage both sides,” he said. “The development rate is much lower than it was two years ago. It means that each time that someone is bringing an upgrade, the gain is smaller than it was two years ago, and this is normal.”

This year has seen Ferrari clinch two Grand Prix victories with notable performances, thanks in part to significant upgrades tailored for Charles Leclerc, including those showcased at the Monaco Grand Prix. Looking forward, Vasseur hinted at further upgrades planned for upcoming races such as the British Grand Prix, alongside continued aerodynamic changes across various circuits like Canada and Spain.

In the broader scope of team operations, Vasseur revealed a bifurcated focus within Ferrari:

“Part of the team is working on the next updates that we will see during this season, and another is already focused on next year’s. We have already given the go-ahead to the 2025 car… Work has already started some time ago on the 2026 power unit. With regards to the chassis and aerodynamics, we can hypothesize a few concepts, but nothing more given that there are no [agreed] regulations yet.”

Amidst these advancements, there is also talk of possible technical overhauls, such as adopting designs similar to those utilized by Red Bull and McLaren, including a pull-rod front suspension system that could improve aerodynamic stability. However, Enrico Cardile from Ferrari’s technical team elaborated on their current design philosophy regarding suspension systems, indicating satisfaction with their existing setup.

“We recorded good aero results moving towards this direction,” Cardile remarked. “When moving from pull-rod to push-rod, we didn’t measure a big advantage to justify some compromise in terms of weight or compliance, so from there we evolved our suspension, keeping the same layout.”

Speculation around personnel shifts adds another layer of intrigue, with rumors suggesting aerodynamics maven Adrian Newey might switch from Red Bull to Ferrari. His potential involvement could bring a transformative approach to Ferrari’s design strategy, particularly as the team navigates the anticipated regulatory changes for 2026.