Ferrari's 2025 Formula 1 car, known internally as Project 677, has taken a significant step forward by passing its mandatory FIA crash tests just before Christmas, according to Italian media.
The traditional event marks a critical milestone for the Scuderia as they prepare for the upcoming season with a car designed to challenge for both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.
The new chassis successfully completed static tests in Maranello and the dynamic tests at the CSI facility in Bollate, earning FIA approval to hit the track.
The 677, which will be raced by Ferrari's star lineup of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, is scheduled to make its on-track debut on February 19 at the team's home circuit in Fiorano.
This rollout will set the stage for its official pre-season testing debut in Bahrain ahead of F1's season opener in Australia on March 16.
Coming off a promising 2024 season, where the SF-24 secured five wins and Ferrari narrowly missed the Constructors' Championship by just 14 points to McLaren, the Italian team has opted for an ambitious overhaul.
Of waiting for the new 2026 regulations, which will introduce entirely new power unit and aerodynamic rules, Ferrari is seizing the final year of the current ground-effect era to launch an all-out assault on the championships.
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Under the leadership of technical director Loïc Serra, Ferrari's engineers have reimagined the car's design philosophy.
The 677 will feature a restructured chassis with the cockpit positioned further back and a shorter gearbox, optimizing weight distribution to maximize tire performance.
This design is intended to complement the latest Pirelli tire compounds, which aim to reduce overheating and allow for more aggressive race strategies.
Ferrari has been a key contributor to Pirelli's development process, ensuring the 677 is well-suited to the new rubber.
According to a report from Motorsport.com’s Italian affiliate, Ferrari is set to return to a pull-rod front suspension – a concept the Scuderia's last used on the 2015 SF15-T.
While the decision has aerodynamic advantages, it aligns with successful approaches already adopted by Red Bull and McLaren.
This change underlines Ferrari's commitment to refining both mechanical and aerodynamic efficiency, with the goal of closing the gap to its top rivals.
The 677 also boasts a redesigned body shape, which prioritizes improved airflow management to boost aerodynamic performance.
While exact details remain under wraps, rumors suggest Ferrari has repositioned key components to achieve a more stable car that excels under a wider range of conditions.
Ferrari's bold moves reflect the ambitious plan outlined by chairman John Elkann to restore the team to championship glory.
The pairing of Leclerc and Hamilton is a clear signal of intent. Both drivers bring unique strengths to the table: Hamilton's unparalleled experience and Leclerc's raw speed and deep connection to the team.
The early completion of crash tests puts Ferrari on schedule for an aggressive development timeline.
With the Fiorano shakedown set for February 19, the Scuderia is aiming for a seamless transition into pre-season testing in Bahrain, ensuring its car is fine-tuned and ready to take the fight to McLaren, Red Bull, and other competitors in 2025.
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