Like most 2012-specification cars, the F2012 featured a ‘stepped nose’ to conform to new FIA safety regulations. The F2012 featured a pullrod front suspension, which had not been seen in Formula One since the 2001 Minardi PS01 and Arrows A22 cars. A pullrod rear suspension was also introduced. L-shaped inlets also feature on the sidepods as the Ferrari F10 did in 2010.

It was reported that Ferrari had developed a “reactive ride height” suspension system, a mechanical device designed to maintain ride height under braking which they hoped to use in their 2012 car. The FIA ruled that devices contravene the regulations as they could improve the aerodynamic performance of cars, which led to the device being banned.