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Bahrain test: Ferrari under examination convinces halfway with Leclerc
— Ferrari entered the final day of testing in Bahrain with a structured approach, splitting track time between Charles Leclerc in the morning and Lewis Hamilton in the afternoon. The plan was to assess different environmental conditions and allow Hamilton to complete a high-fuel test.
— Leclerc’s morning session focused on evaluating the car’s braking system and front suspension, with engineers making refinements to improve handling. The SF-25 featured a narrower engine cover to analyze cooling efficiency in lower temperatures.
— Early laps were affected by track conditions, with sand on the surface causing instability. Flow viz was applied to the second flap of the rear wing to assess aerodynamic behavior with DRS. A braking issue emerged, requiring adjustments to the front suspension and further refinements to improve the car’s response in corner entry and under braking.
— Comparisons between Ferrari and McLaren suggested that Leclerc’s SF-25 was more stable than the MCL39, which struggled with understeer and rotation issues, particularly in windy conditions.
— As adjustments were made, Ferrari’s handling improved, though initial oversteer remained a challenge. Long-run pace was tested with higher fuel loads, with Leclerc’s times rising slightly, but showing better consistency after setup changes.
— After a simulated wing change, Leclerc’s pace and car balance improved further, with Ferrari achieving a more neutral setup by the end of his session. The morning session concluded with Hamilton taking over for the final test runs before the 2025 season opener in Australia.
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