Ferrari’s ongoing difficulties in the 2025 Formula 1 season now appear linked to a technical problem affecting both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Reports indicate that a power steering defect in the SF-25 is compromising the car’s performance, especially during critical qualifying laps and fast corners.
Motorsport.com revealed that this subtle flaw undermines driver confidence and handling when the car is pushed hardest, particularly visible in high-G sections of circuits like Silverstone. While both drivers have refrained from detailed public comments, their struggles have been evident throughout the season.
How Ferrari’s Steering Flaw Is Hindering Driver Performance
At Silverstone, despite moments of potential, Ferrari failed to secure a podium finish as the car showed inconsistent pace and handling issues. Lewis Hamilton described the SF-25 as
“a very, very hard car to drive”
under difficult conditions, noting its sensitivity to tire degradation and understeer in low-speed corners.
“I started knocking out the left front and then just couldn’t keep up,”
he admitted after the race, illustrating the frustrations faced by the team and drivers.
Charles Leclerc voiced similar concerns:
“I just struggled to keep the car on track from the first lap to the last lap. I kind of have an idea, it might be because of the set-up that I’m choosing at the moment, which is quite extreme. I really struggle to believe that set-up makes such a difference. I think there’s something we’ve got to look at.”
The issues have lingered throughout the season. Leclerc, despite achieving four podium finishes, has faced recurrent instability, while Hamilton—yet to claim a win with Ferrari in 2025—has noted a lack of grip, particularly in slow corners. The root cause is increasingly believed to be linked to the SF-25’s power steering system.
Understanding Ferrari’s Power Steering Problem and Its Impact
The implicated system, which assists drivers by reducing physical steering effort, has been part of Formula 1 for decades. However, beyond simple assistance, power steering is vital for relaying tactile feedback from the front axle to the driver’s hands, essential for precision and confidence.
In the SF-25, this feedback appears to be inconsistent, particularly during high-speed segments like the Maggotts-Becketts complex at Silverstone. The steering reportedly acts erratically under peak load, undermining driver confidence at crucial moments. The exact technical fault is not publicly disclosed, but Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, confirmed the problem is real and fixable:
“I won’t reveal it… It’s a problem that can be solved. I can only say that yes, it’s true that we are struggling with something.”
This kind of issue is not unprecedented in Formula 1. Sebastian Vettel has criticized Aston Martin’s power steering feedback in the past, and Fernando Alonso has always paid close attention to its setup to fit his driving style. Ferrari’s current problem is described as a mechanical-hydraulic malfunction rather than a fundamental design flaw, increasing the chances of a mid-season fix, though it will require extensive re-engineering.
Assessing Ferrari’s 2025 Season in Light of Steering Troubles
Ferrari’s recent Silverstone race provided a snapshot of the challenges they face this season—sporadic flashes of competitiveness marred by puzzling inconsistencies. Hamilton finished fourth while Leclerc endured a disenchanting 14th place in wet conditions that exposed the car’s vulnerabilities.
Despite McLaren’s dominance with 460 points, Ferrari holds onto second place in the Constructors’ Championship with 222 points, narrowly ahead of Mercedes at 210 and Red Bull at 172. Although the championship gap is too large to realistically overcome, maintaining second place remains a key goal for the Scuderia.
Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Plans for Spa and Beyond
As the team approaches the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, it plans to introduce minor upgrades and revised configurations aimed at reducing the steering issue’s impact. Spa’s fast, flowing layout will serve as a critical test to measure Ferrari’s progress in understanding and addressing the problem.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s engineering division, led by Loïc Serra, is already preparing for the 2026 season, aware that many regulations involving chassis and power units will change. Yet, mastering the nuances of steering feedback remains a priority since it fundamentally affects driver control and confidence, which are vital regardless of regulatory shifts.
How Ferrari resolves these power steering complications could shape the team’s competitiveness not only for the remainder of 2025 but also as they transition into the new regulatory era.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Charles Leclerc a billionaire?
A. By 2025, Charles Leclerc’s net worth is thought to be about $125 million. He earns most of his money from a high-paying contract with Ferrari, prize money from races, and several sponsorships. Over time, his earnings have increased a lot, making him one of the top-paid drivers in racing.
Q. Does Charles Leclerc have a PhD?
A. Dr. Charles Leclerc earned his doctorate in neuropsychology at Université de Montréal, using a clinical/scientist approach. His research, published in several scientific journals, explored how the brain changes when it doesn’t receive certain types of stimulation.
