Ferrari solve Lewis Hamilton qualifying woes with Project 677 breakthrough – report

In a significant development for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season, Ferrari’s latest engineering project, codenamed Project 677, is poised to address the qualifying challenges faced by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who officially joined Ferrari on January 1, 2025, after a distinguished tenure with Mercedes, encountered notable difficulties in one-lap performance during the 2024 season. He was outqualified by his teammate George Russell in 19 of the 24 races, leading to concerns about his qualifying pace.

Project 677 represents a comprehensive overhaul of Ferrari’s design philosophy. Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the new car will share less than one percent of its components with its predecessor, indicating a radical redesign aimed at enhancing both race and qualifying performance.

A pivotal figure in this transformation is Loic Serra, Ferrari’s newly appointed chassis technical director. Serra, who previously collaborated with Hamilton at Mercedes, is renowned for his expertise in vehicle dynamics and suspension systems. His focus on optimizing suspension components is expected to maximize the performance of the new Pirelli tires for the 2025 season, thereby improving the car’s one-lap speed—a critical factor in qualifying sessions.

One of the most significant changes in Project 677 is the adoption of a pullrod front suspension, a departure from Ferrari’s previous designs. This configuration, favored by teams like Red Bull and McLaren, is anticipated to enhance airflow to the car’s underbody, increasing downforce and stability. Additionally, Ferrari plans to retain its pullrod rear suspension, a setup credited with the 2024 car’s excellent tire management.

Another notable adjustment is the repositioning of the cockpit further back in the chassis. Hamilton had previously expressed discomfort with Mercedes’ cockpit placement, feeling it was too close to the front wheels, which affected his driving confidence. The new cockpit position in Project 677 aims to provide better balance and control, aligning with Hamilton’s preferences and potentially enhancing his qualifying performance.

As Ferrari prepares for the 2025 season, the team is optimistic that these innovations will not only resolve Hamilton’s qualifying challenges but also position the Scuderia as a formidable contender for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The unveiling of Project 677 is scheduled for February 19, followed by pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26 to 28. The season will commence with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, where the effectiveness of Ferrari’s ambitious project will be put to the test.