While the Grand Prix de F1 of Emilia-Romagna is approaching, the Scuderia Ferrari is gearing up for a crucial home weekend... with no real progress visible on its SF-25. A frustrating conclusion for the tifosi, all the more so as the Italian team still seems unable to unlock the potential of its single-seater, despite its promise in the simulator. Behind the scenes, however, a discreet test could mark a technical turning point: Ferrari will be experimenting with a new rear braking system, inspired directly by McLaren's formidable efficiency in this field.
No big changes at Imola, SF-25B will wait
Unlike in 2024, when the SF-24 benefited from a major package at Imola, No major changes are planned for the SF-25 this year. The original plan remains unchanged: a genuine technical overhaul, centered around a new rear suspension, won't arrive before Silverstonemid-season. In the meantime, a few minor fixes, such as the new flat-bottom for Barcelona, will attempt to limit the damage. In short: Ferrari continues to lag behind its rivals in terms of performance.
The situation is all the more frustrating given the promising results of aerodynamic simulations. But the flat floor is not exploited to its full potential, due to a mechanically deficient rear axle. Lewis Hamilton did not mince his words at the post-Miami debriefing. The car was deemed unstable, unpredictable and incapable of maintaining its performance over the long term. The SF-25 is out of step with its stated ambitions.
Ferrari wants to understand McLaren's secret
But while Imola may not yet mark the long-awaited revolution, it could nonetheless be the scene of a strategic turning point. According to AutoRacer.it, Ferrari will be testing an experimental rear braking system with redesigned internal ducts. Officially, these modifications are for cooling purposes. Unofficially, they are aimed above all at reproducing what McLaren masters better than anyone else: thermal management of the rear tires.
A series of slides illustrating the #McLaren MCL39's rear braking system, where fluid dynamics are used for both cooling and aerodynamics. A separation of internal flows with multiple functions, including controlling tyre overheating by cooling the inside of the rim. pic.twitter.com/otCLo8ov6z
- Rosario Giuliana (@RosarioGiuliana) May 12, 2025
The diagram above (drawing: Rosario Giuliana) reveals the secret of the MCL39. Thanks to a clever arrangement of air flows in the brake scoops, McLaren manages to regulate very precisely the temperature not only of the brakes (discs, calipers), but also of the rim itself. This limits tire overheating, a crucial factor in maintaining race performance and consistency. It's this approach that Ferrari is seeking to emulate at Imola, with a targeted test of the rear brake system.
A first step to revive momentum
This one-off test will be closely monitored by Ferrari Technical Director Loïc Serra, who will be making his return to the paddock this weekend. It may seem a minor development, but its potential impact is major. Successfully stabilizing the temperature of the rear tires could improve the car's overall performance, particularly in critical phases such as restarts and the end of stints. It's also an opportunity for the team to validate a solution in real-life conditions, before deciding on wider integration.
English 
French 
Italian 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
German 
Japanese 
Turkish