In the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1, where every millisecond counts and technological innovation is constantly pushing the boundaries, an explosive revelation has just shaken the Ferrari team. During a recent test on the Fiorano circuit, a discovery as improbable as it is incredible was made: a sandbag, literally stuck in the engine of the SF-25, the Scuderia’s new single-seater for the 2025 season. This case, worthy of a spy novel, raises burning questions: sabotage, human error or orchestrated coup? Let’s dive into this mystery that is shaking Maranello.

It all started during a private test session, organized in the greatest secrecy by Ferrari to fine-tune the settings of its car before the start of the season. The engineers, focused on the telemetry data, quickly noticed an anomaly: the hybrid V6 engine, although renowned for its raw power, seemed to be running out of steam. The times were disappointing, and Charles Leclerc, at the wheel, reported unusual vibrations. “Something is not right,” he is said to have said as he left the cockpit, according to a source close to the team.

After a thorough inspection, the unthinkable was revealed: a 5-kilogram bag of sand, carefully hidden in a cavity near the engine cooling system. The mechanics, stunned, immediately stopped operations. “It’s like someone wanted to put a spoke in our wheels… literally!” joked a technician, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere that reigned in the garage.

The first hypothesis that comes to mind is sabotage. Ferrari, with its tumultuous history and legendary rivalries, is no stranger to dirty tricks. Red Bull and Mercedes, its main competitors, have already been suspected in the past of playing dirty tricks to destabilize the Scuderia. But a sandbag in an engine? It seems too big, too absurd to be the work of a serious rival. “If it is sabotage, it is either brilliant or completely ridiculous,” commented a former F1 engineer interviewed by us.

Another, more embarrassing, possibility for Ferrari is that of an internal error. The bag could have been used during regulatory weight tests, a common practice to simulate a driver’s load or adjust the balance of the car. But how can we explain that it was forgotten in such a critical place? “It’s an inexcusable mistake, if that’s the case,” thunders an Italian analyst, pointing to a possible negligence in the team’s protocols.

This affair, which could be laughable if it were not so serious, risks tarnishing Ferrari’s image at a key moment. After a 2024 season marked by inconsistent performances, the team was counting on 2025 to return to the podiums and, why not, aim for a world title. But this “sandbag gate” could sow doubt in the minds of the tifosi, these passionate supporters who do not easily forgive missteps.

Social networks, especially X, are already ablaze. “Ferrari always finds a way to sabotage itself,” quips one user, while another wonders: “What if it was a coded message? A sandbag to say that they are dragging dead weight?” Speculation is rife, and Ferrari management, which has been silent until now, will have to speak out quickly to put out the fire.

An internal investigation has been launched to determine the origin of this incredible incident. The images from the garage’s surveillance cameras are being combed through, and each member of the team is being questioned. Frederic Vasseur, the team director, has reportedly promised “clear answers” by the end of the week. In the meantime, engineers are working hard to ensure that no other “stowaways” are hiding in the SF-25.

This scandal, as absurd as it may be, recalls a fundamental truth of Formula 1: in this sport where perfection is an obsession, the slightest error can have dramatic consequences. Ferrari, with its prestige and heritage, is no exception to this rule. It remains to be seen whether this episode will remain a tasty anecdote or whether it will mark the beginning of a deeper crisis.

In the meantime, one thing is certain: this sandbag has already succeeded where many drivers have failed – putting Ferrari in a state of shock.