The Ferrari 2026 is a car that aims to “dare” more than ever. Here’s a breakdown of all the concepts studied by Loic Serra and what we currently know about the technical choices of the new Maranello car. The new Ferrari can be described as bold, with Loic Serra leading the design and development work. The 2026 Ferrari is targeting the top, but here is what we know so far about the key concepts of the upcoming 678, which will be unveiled on January 23rd.
Loic Serra’s technical direction will need to show its benefits with the 678, fully developed under the French engineer’s supervision. “I think what we call ‘gray areas’ are nothing more than human creativity, thinking about things no one has ever thought of before,” Loic Serra said, aiming for the highest possible performance. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has asked his engineers to adopt an aggressive approach to challenge for the championship. Here’s what we know so far about Ferrari’s new car from Maranello.
Aggressive choices, tires at the center, and plenty of experimentation
The 678 will feature push-rod suspension at both the front and rear, whereas the SF-25 had a double pull-rod layout. Loic Serra has also leveraged data from the updated rear-end mechanics introduced at Spa to understand which mistakes to avoid in 2026. The development focuses heavily on the chassis. At Maranello, the emphasis is on maximizing tire performance. The team wants to understand the conditions under which the tires generate maximum grip. As a vehicle dynamics specialist, Serra is conducting extensive work on the suspension, putting tire understanding first. Ferrari aims to allow “controlled flex of the first link of the upper wishbone,” a measure targeting the overall stiffness of the front suspension.
Creating a system like this while the car is running is extremely complex. Everything must be efficient and compliant with regulations. But why is Maranello so focused on mechanical flex? To generate a camber recovery dynamic at specific speeds. Controlling these parameters allows the suspension to be adjusted based on tire behavior, increasing grip and stability during critical phases of the lap. Moving to aerodynamics, Serra has tested no fewer than 50 different front wing concepts, experimenting even with the element length. This area could be crucial in managing airflow vortices.
Bodywork and power unit focus
As for the car body, it is expected that Ferrari will push hard to increase efficiency through outwash with the sidepod design. The famous undercut at the radiator inlets is expected to be particularly pronounced. Work on the engine’s radiative masses could allow for a tighter rear-end packaging. Regarding the final and most important aspect, the Power Unit, internal feedback from Enrico Gualtieri’s department indicates satisfaction. The Italian engineer has approved a steel cylinder head designed by Zimmermann. Of course, a full understanding of the competition will only come on track. Vasseur has stated that the new Ferrari will have both a Spec.A and a Spec.B, with a development program already defined for each race.
As the January 23rd launch date approaches, the technical direction of the 678 project suggests that Ferrari is no longer content with playing it safe. By placing Loic Serra’s expertise in vehicle dynamics at the forefront and adopting an aggressive development roadmap, Maranello is signaling a clear intent to reclaim its place at the summit of Formula 1. Whether these “grey area” innovations will provide the necessary edge over rivals McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes is the question that will dominate the early stages of the 2026 season.
