Ferrari gave the SF-26 its first public outing at Fiorano last Friday, but the car seen on track was not the definitive version. According to sources close to the team, the Italian side is waiting for FIA approval to finalise several elements that will feature on a more “aggressive” specification of the SF-26. In other words, the Ferrari unveiled at Fiorano was not the ‘real’ one.
The Maranello completed just 15 kilometres during the shakedown organised for the presentation of the SF-26 at Fiorano. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were limited to two laps each, enough to verify that all the key systems were functioning correctly and that no major issues emerged. Frédéric Vasseur had already made it clear that the launch specification would change before the car’s competitive debut in Australia. Ferrari has in fact been working on what could be described as a ‘B-spec’ version. The red car is also track in Barcelona today, 27 January, following a clearly defined programme that will see the two drivers alternate behind the wheel. For now, Maranello is waiting for the green light from the FIA.
Ferrari awaiting FIA approval as the floor remains an older specification
Ferrari has openly declared a car weight of 770 kg, just 2 kg above the minimum limit set by the regulations at 768 kg. This is a crucial factor at the start of such a radical regulatory change and could prove advantageous for the Italian team, at least in the opening races. Attention is now turning to the more evolved version of the SF-26, which should finally bring the car right to the regulatory limit, or potentially even below it.
For the first time, Loïc Serra has taken on the role of Technical Director, and his influence is considered decisive, particularly in defining the overall mechanical architecture. The SF-26 features a push-rod suspension layout at both the front and the rear, a solution chosen to optimise packaging and aerodynamic efficiency under the new rules.
As reported by AutoRacer.it, a more aggressive version of the car should appear at a later stage, possibly as early as the Bahrain tests. However, the Maranello-based team is currently waiting for FIA approval regarding several “clarifications” on different components that will eventually be fitted to the ‘real’ SF-26. These updates are expected to be introduced in time for the Australian Grand Prix.
The car seen at Fiorano, and the one seen on track in Barcelona, had already been tested in the wind tunnel during the autumn with an older floor specification. According to Corriere della Sera, the double tie-rod supporting the floor edges is expected to disappear in the next version of the car. This change should deliver increased downforce and improved overall performance.
Loic Serra’s intention was to validate the structural aspects of the project using the base specification. Taking risks is seen as the only viable approach, and this philosophy is considered encouraging within the team. Following the departure of Jason Somerville, who previously acted as Ferrari’s FIA liaison for aerodynamics, development slowed slightly due to the high level of interpretative freedom within the new regulations.
The editorial team has also clarified that this should not be viewed as a true ‘B-spec’ car, but rather as a first major update package that will involve several areas of the SF-26. This evolution is expected to mark the real starting point of Ferrari’s 2026 technical journey.
