Ferrari is preparing to run its new rear suspension upgrade at the Belgian Grand Prix after an initial test at Mugello, though driver Charles Leclerc expressed reservations about its effectiveness. The upgrade aims to improve performance after a difficult start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed 19 laps on Thursday at Mugello in challenging conditions as Ferrari evaluated the updated suspension system on the SF-25. The team has high hopes that this technical adjustment could be the key to boosting competitiveness heading into the second half of the season.
Details from Ferrari’s Initial Suspension Trial at Mugello
During the testing day at the Italian circuit, Leclerc took the wheel in the morning, followed by Hamilton in the afternoon. Ferrari’s technical director, Loic Serra, was closely monitoring the performance of the rear suspension upgrade. The modification is intended to address long-standing problems with the car’s suspension setup, which has prevented Ferrari from maintaining the ideal ride height.
This issue has made it difficult for the drivers to push the SF-25 to its limits or achieve the best possible setup. Ferrari’s struggles with suspension have been a significant factor limiting their pace, especially after both drivers faced disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix for excessive wear on the plank beneath the car. Since then, Leclerc and Hamilton have had to adopt compromised configurations that increase lap times and force conservative race strategies such as lifting and coasting to protect the car’s components.
Challenges Ahead Despite Suspension Hopes
According to Motorsport.it, Ferrari has given the green light to run this upgraded suspension at the upcoming Spa-Francorchamps race. However, initial feedback from Leclerc did not indicate a marked improvement, as he suggested the difference compared to the previous setup was not substantial.
With only a single practice session available during the Spa sprint weekend, Ferrari faces limited opportunities to dial in the update and gain clarity on its potential impact. The team remains under pressure to enhance both qualifying pace and race performance, as it remains the only team among the top four in the constructors’ championship without a race win this season.
Potential Impact of the Suspension Update on Ferrari’s Competitiveness
The new suspension is designed to provide better control over the car’s ground clearance, limiting plank wear and maintaining consistent aerodynamic efficiency. These improvements should enable drivers to drive with more confidence and consistency, potentially preventing the usual degradation in pace caused by current setup limitations.
Despite these intended benefits, Leclerc’s cautious stance highlights the uncertainty surrounding whether the upgrade alone can close gaps to rivals like McLaren, who have regularly outperformed Ferrari, especially in qualifying. The outcome at Spa will be a crucial indicator of whether this update can help Ferrari break its winless streak and regain genuine momentum this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How Rich Is Charles Leclerc in 2025? As of 2025, Charles Leclerc’s net worth is estimated to be around $125 million.
A. Is Charles Leclerc a millionaire? Yes, Charles Leclerc is considered a millionaire. As a successful Formula 1 driver, he earns a significant salary, adding to his wealth.
Q. What degree does Charles Leclerc have?
A. Charles has a doctorate in Medicine, a postgraduate qualification in clinical pathology, and an MBA from EM Lyon.
Q. Does Charles Leclerc have a PhD?
A. Charles Leclerc pursued advanced studies in neuropsychology at Université de Montréal, following the clinical/scientist model. His doctoral research examined how the brain rearranges itself when certain areas receive little to no stimulation. This work resulted in several scientific articles.
Q. Is Charles Leclerc trilingual?
A. Charles Leclerc speaks three languages fluently: French, his native language, as well as English and Italian.
He picked up Italian while racing in Italy as a young driver and through his involvement with the Ferrari Driver Academy.