Ferrari 2026, a car that dares: all the concepts studied by Serra and what we know so far
The Ferrari 2026 is a car that clearly aims to dare and push boundaries. This is an overview of all the concepts studied by Loic Serra and what is known so far about the technical direction chosen for Ferrari’s next-generation Formula 1 challenger.
The new car from the Prancing Horse can already be described as a courageous project, with Loic Serra guiding the technical work from Maranello. Ferrari’s 2026 car is designed to be among the very best under the new regulations, but several elements remain under development. What is certain is that the single-seater, internally known as project 678, will be officially unveiled on January 23.
Serra’s technical leadership will have to demonstrate its full potential with the 678, a car developed entirely under the French engineer’s supervision. “I think that what we call ‘grey areas’ are nothing more than human creativity, thinking about things nobody had ever thought about before,” said the technical director, underlining Ferrari’s ambition to push every possible boundary. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has reportedly asked his engineers to adopt an aggressive mindset in order to fight for the world championship. Here is what is known so far about Ferrari’s new Maranello-built machine.
Aggressive choices, tyres at the centre of the project and extensive experimentation
The Ferrari 678 will adopt a push-rod suspension layout at both the front and the rear. This represents a clear change compared to the SF-25, which featured a double pull-rod configuration. Loic Serra has also relied on data gathered from the updated rear-end mechanical package that debuted at Spa, using those insights to understand which design paths should be avoided when shaping the 2026 car.
Development efforts are strongly focused on the chassis, with particular attention paid to how the car interacts with the tyres. At Maranello, tyre usage has been placed at the very centre of the project. Ferrari’s engineers are working to understand precisely under which conditions the tyres generate maximum grip, a crucial factor under the upcoming regulations.
As a specialist in vehicle dynamics, Loic Serra is carrying out extensive work on the suspension system, placing tyre behaviour at the top of the priority list. Ferrari is aiming to allow a “controlled flexing of the first link of the upper wishbone.” This solution targets the broader area of overall front suspension stiffness, seeking to balance compliance and precision.
Designing such a system while the car is running at racing speeds is extremely complex. Every component must function efficiently while remaining fully compliant with the regulations. The question is why Ferrari’s technical department is so focused on achieving mechanical flex. The answer lies in generating a camber recovery dynamic at specific speeds. Controlling these parameters allows engineers to adapt suspension behaviour to tyre compound performance, improving grip and stability during key phases of a lap.
Aerodynamics, front wing experimentation and bodywork efficiency
On the aerodynamic side, Loic Serra is understood to have tested around 50 different front wing concepts. These evaluations have also included variations in element length, an area that could prove crucial in managing airflow vortices under the new aerodynamic framework.
Moving to the car’s bodywork, Ferrari is expected to push strongly towards increased efficiency through aggressive outwash generated by the sidepod design. The well-known undercut around the radiator inlets is believed to be particularly pronounced. This approach should help manage airflow along the flanks of the car while feeding the rear aerodynamic surfaces more effectively.
Further work on the engine’s cooling masses is expected to result in a more compact rear-end design. A tighter rear package can bring aerodynamic benefits, especially in terms of airflow cleanliness and diffuser performance, which remain critical areas even under the 2026 regulations.
Power unit confidence and a structured development plan
Regarding the final and perhaps most important aspect, the power unit, information suggests a strong level of internal satisfaction within Ferrari’s engine department in Enrico Gualtieri. Italian engineer Enrico Gualtieri has approved the steel cylinder head designed by Wolf Zimmermann, a solution that appears to meet Ferrari’s performance and reliability targets.
However, a full understanding of Ferrari’s competitiveness will only come once the cars hit the track and can be compared directly with rivals. Frédéric Vasseur has already stated that the new Ferrari will debut with a Spec A configuration, followed by a Spec B version later in the season. A race-by-race development programme is reportedly already defined, highlighting Ferrari’s intention to remain aggressive throughout the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
With bold technical concepts, heavy emphasis on tyre behaviour and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions, Ferrari’s 2026 car stands out as one of the most ambitious projects in the paddock. Whether this daring approach will translate into championship success will only be answered once the new era of Formula 1 truly begins on track.
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