Ferrari has defined a clear and structured upgrade plan for the SF-26, with Technical Director Loic Serra outlining exactly when the final developments will be introduced on the 2026 Formula 1 car.
The Scuderia’s Technical Director has mapped out the development path that the Ferrari SF-26 will follow throughout the current season. Here is the race where Loic Serra is expected to halt further upgrades, along with the strategic intentions guiding the Maranello team.
First of all, it is important to clarify that, according to information reported by AutoRacer.it, Ferrari did not modify the front suspension wishbone as part of its major upgrade package. The so-called “package and a half” includes updates that were originally scheduled to debut in Bahrain, but following the cancellation of that Grand Prix, they have instead been introduced for the Miami weekend.
The most significant element is undoubtedly the new version of the “Macarena” front wing, which is expected to deliver up to 10 km/h of additional top speed, helping Ferrari challenge Mercedes more effectively on the straights. Loic Serra has therefore put together a highly structured and carefully planned development roadmap for the SF-26.
Project 679 in the wind tunnel from June, but SF-26 development continues
As already highlighted previously, Ferrari’s 2027 car project is already taking shape behind the scenes in Maranello. The team could even consider reallocating part of the budget cap originally intended for the new internal combustion engine, potentially opting to introduce an ADUO upgrade directly next year instead.
Furthermore, project 679 will take priority in the wind tunnel starting from June. However, the development plan for the current car remains well defined, with several components already scheduled that will not require additional wind tunnel testing because they have been pre-programmed well in advance.
As a result, the Ferrari SF-26 is expected to receive its final upgrades at the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi. This approach highlights the team’s intention to continue pushing development until the very end of the championship.
In this way, the Italian team is choosing to fight until the very last opportunity, should the competitive situation allow it. Given the current regulatory continuity, it is also crucial to identify performance gains that can later be transferred to the next generation of cars.
It will certainly not be easy to remain in contention while facing a reported deficit of around 30 horsepower. However, Ferrari is adopting a different approach and remains confident in its ability to challenge Mercedes and potentially put the German manufacturer under pressure.
So far, the work carried out by Technical Director Loic Serra and Head of Aerodynamics Diego Tondi has been excellent. At this stage of the season, any significant mistake could prove extremely costly for Ferrari’s ambitions.
Leave a Reply