The SF90 was designed to meet the new regulations for the 2019 Formula One season, which mandated a simpler front wing design and a higher, wider rear wing. Ferrari opted for a radical front wing design that tapered downwards towards the endplates, in contrast to the more conventional approaches taken by rivals Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. This design aimed to encourage airflow around the tyres, directing it inwards towards the front. The intention was to create more predictable downforce levels, though at the cost of overall downforce. The car’s design team was led by Mattia Binotto, Enrico Cardile, Fabio Montecchi, and David Sanchez, with Corrado Iotti leading powertrain design.
Ferrari also focused on weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements. The engine cover was made smaller compared to its predecessor, the SF71H, and a matte finish was adopted for the livery instead of gloss. The cooling system was reworked, featuring a smaller, triangular engine cover inlet and larger radiator air inlets, along with remodeled rear bodywork to enhance rear aerodynamic performance.
The SF90 featured a reworked powertrain and several aerodynamic innovations. Ferrari redirected air exiting the sidepods out behind the base of the halo, aiming to generate extra downforce in the middle of the car and manipulate airflow towards the rear wing. The wheel rims were redesigned with holes to dissipate heat from the tyres, improving tyre management without directly impacting outright pace. These changes were implemented to compensate for the lower downforce generated by the front wing, with the intention of balancing the car’s aerodynamic performance.
The 2019 season saw Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc share driving duties for Ferrari. At the Australian Grand Prix, they finished fourth and fifth, respectively, hampered by a lack of pace compared to Mercedes and Red Bull. Leclerc secured Ferrari’s first podium of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, but a late engine issue cost him the win. Leclerc achieved his first Formula One victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, followed by a win at the Italian Grand Prix.
Throughout the season, the car demonstrated strong straight-line speed, particularly between the Belgian and Mexican Grands Prix. However, inconsistent performance and strategic errors, such as the controversial penalty given to Vettel at the Canadian Grand Prix, prevented Ferrari from consistently challenging for race wins. The team secured a 1-2 finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, with Vettel winning and Leclerc finishing second, marking Ferrari's first such result since the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix. The season ended with Leclerc taking the final podium position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Vettel finished fifth.
Ferrari’s strong straight-line performance throughout the 2019 season attracted scrutiny, leading to questions about potential rule infringements. Red Bull Racing questioned the legality of a system that could circumvent the fuel flow sensor. The FIA responded with a technical directive reminding all competitors that such systems were prohibited. Following this directive, Ferrari’s performance declined. After pre-season testing for the 2020 season, the FIA concluded an investigation into the 2019 Ferrari power unit and reached a private settlement with the team. The details of the settlement were not fully disclosed, leading to criticism from other teams who felt the FIA had not been transparent enough. The FIA stated it was not fully satisfied with the legality of the power unit but avoided further action due to the complexity of the matter and potential legal challenges.
A modified SF90 was later used during testing of the 2022 tyre compounds after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, demonstrating its continued value as a test platform.
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