The world of Formula 1 is in turmoil. Barely had the 2025 pre-season test ended at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain when a bombshell broke out in the paddock: Ferrari, the legendary Scuderia, was accused of manipulating its new single-seater, the SF-25, in a desperate attempt to hide flaws and fool the competition. Fans are holding their breath, rivals are crying foul, and speculation is rife. What really happened? Let’s dive into this explosive case that could very well redefine the upcoming season.
Presented with great fanfare on February 18, 2025 during “F1 75 Live” in London, the Ferrari SF-25 had everything to make you dream. With its bold design, its deep matte red cut by an angular white stripe signed HP, and especially the arrival of Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia seemed ready to finally break its title drought, which has lasted since 2008 for the constructors and 2007 for the drivers. Frédéric Vasseur, the team boss, did not hesitate to describe this car as “99% new”, promising a technical revolution with in particular a tie-rod front suspension, inspired by the successes of Red Bull and McLaren.
The first laps at Fiorano on February 19 had the fans fired up. Then, during the pre-season tests in Bahrain, from February 26 to 28, the SF-25 showed promising performances. Hamilton finished second in the standings on the second day, just behind Carlos Sainz (now with a different team), while Leclerc secured a place in the top three. The times were encouraging, and observers predicted a gain of 0.4 seconds per lap compared to the 2024 SF-24. Ferrari finally seemed to have its revenge. But behind this shiny facade, something was wrong.
Everything changed on March 2, 2025, a few days after the end of testing. A leak, relayed by an Italian media outlet and then amplified on social networks, revealed that Ferrari had deliberately manipulated the SF-25’s telemetry data during testing. According to these accusations, the team had tampered with the single-seater’s sensors to hide a critical weakness in the front suspension system, a daring but still unstable technical choice. The impressive figures displayed in Bahrain? An illusion, according to detractors, intended to impress sponsors (notably HP) and intimidate rivals like McLaren and Red Bull.
Worse still, rumors suggest that Ferrari may have used unapproved software to adjust aerodynamic parameters in real time, a practice strictly prohibited by FIA regulations. If true, it would be a major blow to the team’s credibility, already shaken by past controversies, such as the 2019 engine scandal. Test footage shows a responsive and fast SF-25, but some experts point to inconsistencies in the public data, including suspicious variations in lap times during long runs.
The news sent shockwaves through McLaren, via Zak Brown, demanded an immediate FIA ​​investigation, saying: “If Ferrari cheats again, we need exemplary sanctions. F1 deserves a clean race.” At Red Bull, Christian Horner, never one to shy away from jibes, quipped: “We all know Maranello loves a twist, but this time they’ve gone too far.” Even Mercedes, now direct competitors with young prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli, called for “all the light to be shed”.
Ferrari’s silence is deafening. Frédéric Vasseur dodged questions at an impromptu press conference on March 4, saying tersely: “We respect the rules. The accusations will be denied in due time.” Charles Leclerc, visibly uncomfortable, deflected: “I’m focused on the track, not on the rumors.” As for Lewis Hamilton, whose debut at Ferrari is under scrutiny, he adopted a cautious stance: “I trust the team. We’ll see what the FIA ​​says.”
If the allegations are confirmed, the consequences could be dire. A hefty fine, a loss of points in the constructors’ championship, or even a temporary ban from future races are all possible. The FIA, under pressure to maintain the integrity of the sport, has announced a formal investigation, with results expected before the Australian Grand Prix, the season opener on March 16. The SF-25’s telemetry data and onboard software will be scrutinized.
But beyond the sanctions, it is Ferrari’s image that is at stake. The tifosi, already scalded by years of disillusionment, could lose patience. Hamilton’s arrival, supposed to mark a new glorious era, risks turning into a fiasco if the scandal worsens. And what about the internal rivalry? Leclerc and Hamilton, two champions with strong egos, could see their collaboration weakened by this storm.
With just one week to go until the start of the season, this affair puts Formula 1 in an unprecedented position. Ferrari, unmasked or unfairly accused, will have to prove its good faith on the track and behind the scenes. All eyes will be on Melbourne, where the SF-25 will have to not only perform, but also dispel doubts. In a sport where technology and strategy often flirt with the limits, one question remains: how far is Ferrari prepared to go to regain the throne? One thing is for sure: this 2025 season is already shaping up to be explosive. Stay tuned, because the story is only just beginning!
