Ferrari aims to revamp its front suspension for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season as part of an extensive strategy to clinch its first world championship title since 2008. In contrast, Haas, its technical partner, has decided against adopting this new suspension design, choosing instead to retain the current setup.
This shift at Ferrari is expected to see the team implementing a pullrod suspension at the front, aligning with teams like Red Bull and McLaren that adopted this configuration last season. Although Ferrari has not publicly confirmed these changes, the anticipated design offers potential aerodynamic and packaging benefits.
"It's widely believed that the choice between pullrod and pushrod configurations is close in terms of performance potential," said Gary Anderson, a technical expert for The Race. "However, adopting a pullrod design could lead to a greater front suspension rising rate, which enhances control over ride height and response during race conditions."
While Ferrari is looking to innovate with its 2025 car, Haas is taking a different approach. The team will continue with Ferrari's older pushrod front suspension, citing the familiarity and competitiveness of the current setup as significant factors in their decision.
"This is a significant moment because it's the first time in nine seasons that we have not chosen the latest-specification Ferrari parts," said Ayao Komatsu, Haas's team principal. He emphasized continuity as a core motive behind this choice.
Komatsu noted that the decision was not made lightly. "It's not like this year we wanted to make a point; our technical team suggested that maintaining the old front suspension was the right move. Their analysis showed that switching to Ferrari's new version might not yield the expected benefits in terms of performance and could disrupt our development path."
Haas, which has historically relied on the latest offerings from Ferrari, conducted extensive studies to evaluate the trade-offs of adopting new suspension technology versus the risks posed by disruption in aerodynamics and data collection.
"When we discussed the potential aerodynamic hit, it was clear that carrying over the front suspension would allow us to avoid a significant setback during development," added Komatsu. "We had to ensure we remained competitive for the 2025 season, and the decision was purely performance-driven."
Despite the upcoming regulatory changes that may affect future seasons, Komatsu clarified that the team's choice was not influenced by 2026 rules. Instead, the focus remains firmly on maximizing performance next season. "At the end of the day, we have to be competitive in '25 as well," emphasized Komatsu, reaffirming the team's commitment to focus on immediate results instead of future regulations.
As the 2025 season approaches, both teams will face significant challenges; Ferrari is banking on innovation to reclaim its status, while Haas must prove that consistency can outperform risky changes in an ever-evolving competitive landscape. The decisions made here will shape the narrative of the upcoming season and potentially set the tone for the future direction of both teams as they navigate the complexities of Formula 1 racing.