Martin Brundle reacts as Ferrari make key Project 677 change

Martin Brundle reacts as Ferrari make key Project 677 change for Lewis Hamilton arrival…Read

Ferrari has made significant changes to the cockpit design of its 2025 Formula 1 car, codenamed Project 677, to accommodate Lewis Hamilton’s preferences, as he prepares for his first season with the Scuderia. This decision highlights the importance of driver comfort in F1 car design, a topic recently discussed by commentator Martin Brundle.

Project 677 has passed the FIA’s mandatory crash tests and is set to debut in February. Ferrari’s goal is to produce a competitive car capable of supporting Hamilton’s bid for an eighth World Championship. Hamilton officially joined Ferrari from Mercedes on January 1, 2025, ending a long and successful tenure with his former team. His arrival has prompted several design adjustments to the car, particularly focusing on cockpit positioning, which had been a point of contention for Hamilton during his time at Mercedes.

Hamilton had previously criticized the seating position in Mercedes’ cars, specifically the feeling of being too far forward, which he said negatively impacted his driving. At the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, he compared the sensation to driving a road car with the front wheels positioned directly under his legs, calling it uncomfortable and unnatural. He also expressed regret over the car’s design and urged for significant changes in future models. Ferrari’s move to reposition the cockpit further back for Project 677 is seen as a direct response to these concerns, though it is unclear whether Hamilton had a direct influence on the change.

Another key development in the new car is the adoption of a pullrod front suspension, a feature Ferrari has not used since 2015. This setup, favored by rivals such as McLaren and Red Bull, has proven successful in recent years. The combination of the revised cockpit and the new suspension layout shows Ferrari’s commitment to innovation while accommodating Hamilton’s specific feedback.

The development of the 2025 car is being overseen by Loic Serra, Ferrari’s chassis technical director, who previously worked with Hamilton at Mercedes. Serra’s familiarity with Hamilton’s driving style could provide Ferrari with an edge in optimizing the car’s design. Martin Brundle, a veteran F1 commentator, recently highlighted the critical role of cockpit ergonomics, explaining how small adjustments, like the alignment of pedals and steering wheel, can significantly impact a driver’s performance at high speeds.

Brundle recalled how, in the past, F1 cars were designed with the driver positioned closer to the front to balance the car’s weight, often compromising safety. Modern F1 cars, however, prioritize driver protection with innovations like the HANS device and the halo, though these features can sometimes feel confining. Brundle emphasized how even minor design tweaks could greatly affect a driver’s confidence, particularly in the current era of larger and heavier cars.

Project 677 is expected to be revealed on February 19, the day after F1’s inaugural collective season-launch event in London. Pre-season testing will begin on February 26 in Bahrain, providing an opportunity for Ferrari to fine-tune the car and assess its performance. The F1 2025 season kicks off on March 16 with the Australian Grand Prix, marking the beginning of Hamilton’s highly anticipated partnership with Ferrari.

With high expectations surrounding Hamilton’s new chapter, Ferrari hopes that the changes to Project 677 will not only enhance driver comfort but also improve competitiveness. The team is aiming for a return to the top, and Hamilton’s collaboration with Loic Serra could prove pivotal in achieving that goal. As Brundle noted, even the smallest design adjustments can have a major impact in Formula 1, and for Ferrari and Hamilton, these changes may be key to a successful 2025 season.