Formula 1
25 Jan 2025
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Haas Avoids Ferrari’s New Front Suspension for 2025 – Here’s Why It Matters

Nico Hulkenberg, Haas VF-24, Oliver Bearman, Ferrari SF-24

Haas F1 Team has chosen not to adopt Ferrari’s new pullrod front suspension design for 2025, signaling a pivotal strategy in the ever-intense Formula 1 midfield battle. While Ferrari is rumored to be following Red Bull and McLaren’s 2024 lead with this design shift, Haas has opted for continuity by sticking with its existing pushrod suspension.


Haas’ Calculated Risk: Consistency Over Change

Team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed in a media briefing that Haas evaluated Ferrari’s 2025 design but ultimately decided against implementing the pullrod suspension. Komatsu explained the decision stemmed from a comprehensive analysis of potential aerodynamic impacts and time constraints:

“If we buy Ferrari’s latest 2025 front suspension… you have to take a hit first. Then you have to recover comparing that. Our conclusion was to stick with the carryover for short-term stability.”

Haas’ decision reflects its priority: maximizing immediate performance in a packed midfield where results can have significant financial consequences.


Why Ferrari’s Suspension Switch Is Significant

Ferrari’s rumored shift to pullrod suspension marks a major design change as it seeks to match Red Bull and McLaren’s ability to optimize ride height and cornering performance. However, this approach carries inherent risks:

  1. Aerodynamic Recalibration: Ferrari could face challenges aligning its aerodynamic platform to the new suspension geometry.
  2. Time Constraints: Ferrari must resolve these issues quickly to avoid repeating mid-season struggles, like those caused by its flawed 2024 floor development.

Despite Ferrari’s resources and advanced simulation tools, last year’s setbacks underscore how even top teams can falter when implementing significant design changes.


Haas’ Strategic Benefits and Financial Reality

By avoiding a front suspension overhaul, Haas can focus on incremental improvements elsewhere, such as:

  • Refining its cockpit and rear suspension geometry for better aerodynamics.
  • Securing immediate performance gains to boost competitiveness against Alpine, Williams, and Sauber.

This stability is essential for Haas as it seeks further investment from owner Gene Haas to potentially upgrade its Banbury base. The team cannot afford to lose points during a critical period for financial and on-track success.


Ferrari’s Gamble and What’s at Stake

Ferrari’s willingness to embrace risk reflects its ambition to reclaim dominance in 2025. However, it must balance this bold approach against maintaining a strong foundation ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.

While Haas prioritizes consistency, Ferrari’s move to innovate could either:

  • Unlock a new level of performance, keeping it competitive with Red Bull and McLaren.
  • Lead to setbacks that jeopardize its current standing as it adjusts to the new design.

Key Takeaways

  • Haas’ Approach: The team’s decision to stick with its existing suspension emphasizes short-term competitiveness in the midfield.
  • Ferrari’s Challenge: A significant design change comes with potential rewards but also risks disrupting progress.
  • 2025 Implications: Both teams’ strategies highlight the importance of balancing innovation and stability as they compete for results in a crowded F1 field.

Haas’ choice underscores how even smaller teams must make complex technical decisions to remain competitive in Formula 1’s cutthroat environment.

Explore how Haas’ strategy could impact the 2025 F1 midfield battle and Ferrari’s ambitious design overhaul.

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