P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ferrari Chassis Technical Director Loic Serra could be key to improving the Formula 1 qualifying performances of former Mercedes colleague Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton’s time in the ground effect era of F1 has been quite turbulent, with his winless 2022 and ’23 seasons turning around in 2024 with victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps before struggling in qualifying against George Russell. His frustrations were evident in his remarks about no longer being fast and marked the end of his challenging stint with Mercedes. Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with the cars he was driving, including Mercedes’ zero-pod concept, was shared by departing Serra, now leading a technical group at Ferrari for the 2025 F1 challenger, Project 677. Serra’s focus on getting the most out of the 2025 Pirelli tyres and implementing changes like pull-rod front suspension aims to benefit both Hamilton and Leclerc, who have differing strengths in qualifying and races. With Leclerc’s strong performance and Hamilton seeking to recapture his qualifying pace, Ferrari’s hopes are set on both drivers delivering in the upcoming season.
