At Maranello, the work never truly stops. While the spotlight remains firmly on the SF-26 and its preparation for the Barcelona tests, Ferrari is also using the post-Christmas period to carefully reshape its internal organisation. Away from public announcements and major headlines, a series of targeted internal movements is laying the groundwork for what is expected to be a crucial 2026 season in Formula 1.
Ferrari is not only refining its technical package for the new regulations, but also fine-tuning the people and structures behind the scenes, with a strong focus on efficiency, continuity, and discretion. These changes reflect a long-term strategy designed to maximise internal resources while keeping sensitive developments under tight control.
Key personnel moves between Formula 1 and Hypercar projects
One of the most significant developments involves John Lockwood, who has been serving as head of the Formula 1 Composites department. He has now been reassigned to the Ferrari Hypersail project, an ambitious programme linked to offshore ocean racing. Lockwood’s deep expertise in advanced materials and composite technologies is considered a major asset for the nautical initiative, where weight, strength, and reliability are just as critical as they are in single-seater racing.
His departure from the Formula 1 structure does not signal a weakening of the F1 programme. On the contrary, Ferrari has opted to fill the role internally, temporarily promoting and redistributing responsibilities among engineers who are already embedded within the team. This approach underlines the depth of Ferrari’s technical workforce and its commitment to strengthening the organisation from within, rather than relying on high-profile external hires.
Sharing expertise to build a stronger, unified Ferrari
Lockwood’s move is not an isolated case. Ferrari is actively encouraging internal mobility between its Formula 1 and Hypercar divisions, with the aim of sharing know-how, operational efficiency, and a common working culture. The successes achieved in the World Endurance Championship have demonstrated the value of cross-functional collaboration, and Maranello is keen to transfer those lessons into its Formula 1 operations.
This exchange of personnel and expertise allows Ferrari to create a more cohesive technical environment, where innovations and problem-solving approaches can move more freely between projects. It also helps maintain a strong sense of unity across the company’s motorsport activities, reinforcing the idea that every programme contributes to the broader competitive strength of the brand.
A clearer structure under Loïc Serra
The ongoing reorganisation is taking place under the supervision of Loïc Serra, who is overseeing a push towards a clearer and more structured internal hierarchy. The goal is to reduce uncertainty in decision-making processes, streamline communication, and ensure that responsibilities are well defined at every level of the organisation.
This quieter, more methodical approach may not generate immediate headlines, but it is considered strategically vital as Ferrari prepares to enter the heart of the 2026 Formula 1 cycle. With new regulations, increased technical complexity, and fierce competition expected across the grid, having a well-aligned and flexible internal structure could make a decisive difference.
Through these carefully managed internal movements, Ferrari is not only reinforcing its workforce but also positioning itself to tackle future technical challenges with greater agility. By maximising talent, sharing expertise across programmes, and maintaining a high level of confidentiality, the Scuderia is creating the conditions for a potentially significant competitive advantage when the 2026 season arrives.
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