The 2025 season has seen McLaren dominate the championship, with the Papaya outfit set to retain its constructors’ title. One of the key reasons McLaren has been so strong is that it can look after their tyres better than other teams. This, in large part, is due to their suspension design, which leaves the MCL39 more stable while creating consistent downforce levels and temperature.
On the other hand, Ferrari has struggled with their tyres and getting them into the right operating window, especially in qualifying. An upgrade at the Belgium GP helped stabilise the issue, and team principal Fred Vasseur is hoping to take the knowledge from the update into next season.
Ferrari believes focus on the suspension could be key for the 2026 season
The 2026 season will require teams to create new cars with a range of changes. The rules have different aerodynamic regulations, meaning teams can’t carry these over from their 2025 challengers. However, some parts, like the suspension, can be, with many top teams investing heavily in them this year.
Speaking to Auto Motor Und Sport, Vasseur explained the importance of working on parts like the suspension while still under the 2025 regulations. The Frenchman said, “We all put a lot of effort into filtering out what we can carry over to 2026.
“That includes the suspension and the braking system. Only in aerodynamics you can’t carry anything over. Nothing. Except for the basic principle that drivability is important.
“It’s no coincidence that many teams have invested in suspensions this year — McLaren, Mercedes, and us. Everything we learn there can be an advantage next year.”
McLaren still has an advantage with their suspension design going into next season. However, the Ferrari suspension upgrade in Belgium has worked for Charles Leclerc, who was able to put his Ferrari on the podium at Spa and pole position in Hungary.
Why is the suspension important to an F1 car?
This season has shown why the suspension is a vital component of the F1 car. McLaren utilises it effectively to help maintain tyre life, allowing their drivers to push a bit harder than their rivals. Ferrari’s latest upgrade has also helped push them up the grid as they look to secure the runners-up spot in the championship.
However, get the suspension wrong, and your form can nose-dive. Mercedes were looking strong with George Russell scoring four podiums in the opening six races. However, when the Silver Arrows introduced a new upgrade package with a new rear suspension, it failed to work, and Mercedes fell down the pecking order.
At the Hungarian GP, Mercedes reverted to their old specification suspension and saw George Russell step onto the podium, while Kimi Antonelli scored his first point in the European leg.
Getting the suspension right this year could be key for next season. As teams can take them forward, they need to invest heavily in them this term to see how they work. Tyres are a major factor in any F1 season under any regulations, meaning the suspension is vital for a good race car.
